Thirteen pilgrims, including two children, died in a collision between a bus and a truck in Karnataka's Haveri district this morning. This accident happened on the Pune-Bengaluru national highway. There were 17 people in the van. Police said, the accident happened at 3.45 in the morning.
Identification of the dead
The deceased in this accident have been identified as Nagesh, Vishalakshi, Adarsh, Arpita, Parshuram, Bhagya, Punya, Mansa, Rupa, Subhadra Bai, Manjula Bai and Manjula. While one has not been identified yet. Police said that the collision was so strong that some bodies were trapped in the broken parts of the van. Due to which he was rescued with the help of fire brigade.
President Draupadi Murmu expressed grief over the accident
Expressing grief over this accident, President Draupadi Murmu wrote - The news of the death of many pilgrims, including women and children, in a bus accident in Haveri district of Karnataka is sad. I express my condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The accident happened due to the driver dozing off
According to the information, all the people travelling in the bus were coming from Chincholi Mayamma Devasthan. Then the bus hit the truck from behind. Initial investigation revealed that the accident occurred due to the driver dozing off. But nothing is clear yet.