Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 28: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced that strict disciplinary action will be taken against the bus driver held responsible for the fatal Talapady accident in which six people lost their lives. The corporation has also assured that medical expenses of the injured will be borne by KSRTC.
In a statement, KSRTC managing director Akram Pasha expressed deep regret over the tragedy, saying, “Despite continuous training and awareness programmes, it is unfortunate that such accidents occur. We pray for peace to the departed souls and strength to their families to bear this grief.”
The accident, which occurred near the Talapady toll gate, involved a KSRTC bus (KA-19-F-3407) operating on the Kasargod–Mangaluru route. According to the corporation, the driver, identified as Nijaligappa Chalavadi, was overspeeding when an autorickshaw suddenly came onto the road around 12:35 p.m. Though he applied brakes, the bus rammed into the auto. In the aftermath, the bus swerved, the driver allegedly abandoned the driver’s seat, and the vehicle rolled backward into passengers waiting by the roadside.
Two passengers in the autorickshaw died on the spot, while four others, including the auto driver, succumbed after being admitted to hospital. Two more persons injured in the mishap are under treatment.
KSRTC clarified that the bus had been freshly deployed on the route on August 27 and had undergone fitness renewal the previous day, ruling out mechanical failure. The driver, employed with KSRTC for 14 years and on this route for three years, was blamed for negligence and overspeeding.