Daijiworld Media Network - Kalaburagi/Mandya

Kalaburagi/Mandya, Apr 5: In two separate tragic road accidents in Karnataka, a total of nine people lost their lives and several others were injured.

In the first incident, five people were killed and 11 others sustained injuries when a mini-bus collided with a parked truck near Nelogi Cross, close to Jevargi town in Kalaburagi district, during the early hours of Saturday.

The deceased have been identified as Wajid, Mehaboobi, Priyanka, Mehaboob, and one individual whose identity is yet to be confirmed. All victims hailed from the Navanagara area of Bagalkot district.

According to police, the group was travelling in a mini-bus to visit the revered Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah in Kalaburagi city. There were 31 passengers on board. The injured have been admitted to the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) for treatment. Nelogi police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

In a separate incident, four people died on the spot when a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) luxury Airavat bus hit their car from behind on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, near Tubinakere village, close to Mandya city.

The deceased have been identified as 51-year-old Satyananda Raje Urs, his wife 45-year-old Nischita, 62-year-old Chandru, and his wife 50-year-old Suvedini Rani.

According to police reports, the accident occurred when the car driver, attempting to exit the highway onto a service road, suddenly swerved back onto the expressway without noticing the approaching bus. The bus driver, unable to brake in time, rammed into the vehicle. The impact was so intense that the car was crushed, killing all four occupants instantly.

Emergency responders used a crane to remove the mangled car from under the bus. The bodies were later shifted to the local hospital mortuary. The incident also led to a temporary traffic jam on the expressway.

Investigations into both accidents are ongoing.