Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (RJP)
Updated
Kundapur, Jun 21: In a tragic accident that occurred at Movadi Cross near Trasi, 8 school going children died and 12 including the driver and a teacher have been injured.
As per details, the head-on collision took place between a private bus plying from Byndoor to Kundapur and a Maruti Omni van carrying children going to Don Bosco School.
Ananya, Ancita, Alvita, Clarissa, Calista, Delvin, Nikhita, Royston (deceased)
Two children died on the spot while 5 died on the way to hospital. Another child died in the hospital. Eleven others including the driver of the Omni have been injured. Some of them are undergoing treatment at the local hospital while others have been rushed to Manipal hospital.
Among the eight dead are six girls and two boys. Seven of them have been identified as Nikhita, studying in 7th standard, Calista, a student of LKG, Ananya, studying in first standard, Clarissa of first standard, Delvin of LKG, Royston of 3rd standard, and Alvita of 2nd standard. They were accompanied by teacher Philomena who was also injured.
Bus driver Manju and conductor Shanker have been arrested.
Apart from Philomena, some of the other injured have been identified as Omni owner Martin who is also its driver, Deekshith of 4th standard, Minora of 5th standard, Melissa of 10th standard, Veera of 10th standard, Lisel of 1st standard, Anson of 6th standard, Renvil and Mariya of LKG, Orpha of 3rd standard, Risha Crasta, and Princita of 1st standard.
Omni owner Martin had lost his wife in the 2010 Mangaluru air crash, but he had a fortunate escape as he could not travel the same day, sources said.
There were 18 children and 2 adults including the driver in the Omni.
SP Annamalai visited the hospitals.
Three of the passengers in the bus suffered minor injuries. They have been identified as Savitha, Supritha and Sangeeta.
SP Annamalai speaking to media persons later said that thorough investigation will be conducted regarding the cause of the accident and stern action will be taken against offender.
Byndoor MLA Gopal Poojary said “It was really a heart-rending situation happening in my home town. Proper precautions should be taken as per the instructions of the government. Strict action should be taken against the offenders by concerned authorities."
Newly appointed minister from Udupi, Pramod Madhwaraj has cancelled all his appointments scheduled for Wednesday.
Gangolli police have registered a case.