Daijiworld Media Network - Davangere (SP)

Davangere, Jun 17: After a Land Cruiser vehicle carrying pilgrims rammed into a truck that had been stranded on national highway 25 at Kumbaloor village on the outskirts of Malebennur in the district in the early hours on Tuesday June 16, three pilgrims lost their lives.

The unfortunate travellers have been identified as Ashwath Narayan Shreshti (40) and Shantamma (35), who died on the spot, in addition to Prajwal (4) who breathed his last at a local hospital. Other co-passengers Shakutalamma, Raghavendra Shreshti, Prahlad Shreshti, Vijayendra Shreshti, Sumitramma, Savita, Lavanya, Archana, Pramod Shreshti and Prasad Shreshti suffered minor injuries. They are recovering in the hospital.

Those in the Land Crusier were returning to the city after their pilgrimage to Dharmasthala. The truck, which was returning to Tumkur after loading paddy from Benakanahalli nearby, had been parked by the roadside because of tyre puncture.

Driver of the vehicle however, had a miraculous escape. Reckless driving is said to be the reason for the accident. A case has been registered in Malebennur police station in the district.