Daijiworld Media Network – Chikmagalur (SP)
Chikmagalur, Aug 11: In an accident that occurred at Dinnkere-Mavinahalli bend on Chikmagalur-Moodigere Road on Wednesday August 10, a bike rider lost his life. The presence of mind exhibited by the driver of a KSRTC bus that was passing by, saved the lives of about 70 people, it is gathered.
The private bus in question was hired by people from Bhadravathi, who were returning after attending a marriage in Dharmasthala. Nandish and Bhyresh, residents of Veerabhadra Colony in Shimoga, were going to Dharmasthala on a joy ride. After the bus hit the motor bike, both the bike-borne youth got stuck beneath the bus, along with their vehicle. Petrol got leaked from the motor bike, and instantly fire was ignited. The people succeeded in saving Nandish by dragging him to safety. Bhyresh could not be saved, although water from the roadside drain was thrown at him. He was charred. Traffic on the road was disrupted for hours together because of this accident.
Those inside the bus, immediately after the accident, heard the sound of a blast, and within seconds, thick smoke covered the bus. The driver of a government bus that was going to Kadur from Dharmasthala, which reached the spot at that moment, rushed to the private bus, broke open the window glasses, opened the doors, and helped the passengers to rush outside. Within minutes after the passengers alighted, the bus was engulfed in flames, and only skeletal remains of the bus remained thereafter.
The passengers said their lives were saved because of the timely action of Sangappa, driver of the government bus in question. The private bus, as well as belongings of the marriage party like utensils, clothes, etc., were reduced to ashes. Fire brigade vehicles later rushed from Chikmagalur and Moodigere, and extinguished small flames still emanating from the burnt bus. Additional superintendent of police, Mitra Heraje, deputy superintendent of police, Vedamurty, circle inspector, Panchaksharaiah and others visited the spot and guided relief operations.