After their pick-up van rammed into a tree in Hulkunda village in Belagavi district, six devotees en route to a temple in Karnataka's Sadavatti town died while 16 others sustained injuries and are currently under treatment at hospitals in Ramdhurgaa and Gokak.
About 23 passengers from Hulkunda were travelling to visit the Yellam temple in Karnatanataka's Sadavatti town when their Mahindra pick-up van crashed into a tree, claiming six lives and injuring 16 others. While five people died on the spot, one more succumbed to their injuries while being rushed to the hospital. The injured victims are undergoing treatment.
The incident took place in Hulkunda village of Belagavi district.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai extended his condolences to the bereaved families and announced compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed the authorities to ensure appropriate measures and care for the injured.
Kumari Savitha, 11 was the youngest among the identified deceased Hanumappa (25), Deepa (31), Maruthi (42), and Indra (24).
Speaking on the unfortunate incident, Bommai said, "Six people have died. I'm in touch with the officials regarding this. I spoke this morning as well. The government will take care of the treatment. A probe has also been initiated to find out why this happened."
The Kadakol Police Station in Ramdhurga district has registered a case with them.
As per Sanjeev Pati, Superintendent of Police, the devotees had left for Yellama temple in Savadatti from Hulkund Village in Ramdhurga district. "The Mahindra pick-up van they were travelling in hit a tree shortly after they began their journey. Five people died on the spot and one woman died while on the way to a hospital in Gokak. 16 injured persons are getting treatment in Gokak hospital. A case has been registered at the Kadakola police station. 16 people are injured and are stable now," he said while talking to reporters.