In a tragic incident, a head-on collision between a bus and a lorry in Tumakuru’s Sira taluk left 7 seven passengers dead and at least 20 injured. The accident took place near Jai Hind Hotel on National Highway 48 during the late hours of May 20.

The bus, owned by Sri Hanuman Travels, was ferrying over 60 devotees who were returning to Sira following a visit to the Sri Chowdeshwari Temple in Sigandur village on May 19. The temple, which sees a sizeable number of devotees daily, is located around 115km away from Sira. All of those affected were passengers on the bus.

Three passengers died on the spot, while four were confirmed dead upon arrival at the Government Hospital in the district. The deceased have been identified as Anusha (7), Savita (20), Ratnamma (38), Shankara (35), Ashwatha (50), Sumalatha (25), and Girijamma (40). All the deceased are residents of Pattanayakahalli and Sira. Eight of those injured remain in critical condition.

Local media reports suggest that the bus may have been speeding prior to ramming into the stationary lorry, which was parked on the left side of the road. Passengers who sat on the left side of the bus were either killed or injured, according to the police.

Police officials also confirmed to TNM that a case has been registered at the local police station against the bus driver, who managed to survive the accident.

A police team, led by Tumakuru’s Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shobharani, inspected the scene of the accident, following which they met the injured passengers and the families of those affected at the hospital.

Earlier this year, a deadly accident in the district led to the deaths of 5 members of a family who were on their way to a temple.