Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Dec 20: A bus of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation that had been hired for educational tour by college students tumbled and fell by its side at the sharp road bend at Sharke near Vandse in the taluk at around 6 pm on Friday December 19. It is learnt that the accident occurred after the driver lost control over the vehicle. The bus also hit a roadside elctric pole. Students of Basaveshwara Engineering College in Bagalkot were bound for Udupi after paying obeisance at Kollur Goddess Mookambika Temple, when the accident occurred. The students had covered several places including Hubli and Sirsi before coming to Kollur.

Seven persons, including one teacher and six students, suffered serious injuries in the accident. All of them were admitted into a private hospital in the town. Teacher, Raveendra Vaddar, and students, Bheemappa Surakoppa, Sachin Bennerottgi, Sharanabasavappa Mirji Mallapur, Nazir Pingar, Shivu Tumbramatti and Vittal, were injured in the accident.

Kollur police led by police sub-inspector, Jayanth immediately responded to the need of the accident victims and rushed there.The sub-inspector also exemplified his humanitarian approach by lending police vehicle for transporting injured persons to the town for medical attention. All the other students escaped without any injuries.

Byndoor MLA, Gopal Poojary, visited the spot. He promised to take up the issue with the concerned to ensure that suitable warning signs are put up about sharp bends on the roads here, noting that drivers not conversant with the roads here find it difficult to negotiate them properly.

Immediately after the accident, locals called KSRTC depot and requested them to help the students to continue their tour by providing them an alternative bus. It is gathered that they will get replacement bus by Saturday.

A case relating to the incident was registered in Kollur police station.