Daijiworld Media Network - Chamarajanagar

Chamarajanagar, Mar 1: In a devastating accident, five devotees traveling to Male Mahadeshwara Hills lost their lives when their car collided head-on with a truck in Chikkindewadi village, Chamarajanagar district, on Saturday.

Authorities are yet to identify the victims, but initial investigations based on the car’s registration suggest they were residents of Mandya district. Among the deceased were two women, all of whom were on a pilgrimage to the revered Male Mahadeshwara Hills.

Police suspect that overspeeding played a key role in the crash. The force of the impact was so severe that the car was flung into a nearby agricultural field, rolling multiple times before coming to a halt. The collision also caused a nearby tree to snap, leaving the vehicle mangled beyond recognition. Rescue teams faced challenges in retrieving the bodies trapped inside the wreckage.

Officials highlighted that the accident occurred on a stretch of road notorious for its sharp curves and dangerous turns. The Kollegal Rural Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with further details awaited.

This tragedy follows a series of fatal road accidents across Karnataka. On February 6, five members of a family, including three children, were killed in Yadgir district after a Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKSRTC) bus lost control and rammed into their motorcycle. Three victims died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.

Similarly, on January 22, at least 14 people, including three students, lost their lives, and 25 others were injured in two separate accidents in Karwar and Raichur districts.

These incidents highlight the growing concerns over road safety in Karnataka, with authorities urging drivers to remain cautious, especially on accident-prone routes.