Two passengers died, and 67 others were injured after a KSRTC bus overturned near Madhuvanahalli in Chamarajanagar district following a suspected tyre burst
A tragic road accident in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district claimed two lives and left 67 passengers injured after a KSRTC bus carrying devotees from Male Mahadeshwara Hills overturned near Madhuvanahalli in Kollegal taluk. The accident reportedly occurred after the front tyre of the bus burst, causing the driver to lose control. Several passengers sustained serious injuries, with more than 10 shifted to Mysuru for advanced treatment.
Chamarajanagar: Two people were killed and 67 others injured in a major road accident after a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus overturned near Madhuvanahalli bypass in Kollegal taluk of Chamarajanagar district on Sunday.
The bus, which was returning from the famous Male Mahadeshwara Hills pilgrimage centre to Mysuru, reportedly met with the accident after its front tyre suddenly burst, causing the vehicle to overturn by the roadside.
The deceased have been identified as Puttananjamma (60), a resident of Kollegal, and Mahesh (50) from Kuderu. Both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the accident.
According to preliminary information, the KSRTC bus bearing registration number KA-57 F-3964 was carrying devotees who had visited Male Mahadeshwara Hills on the occasion of the full moon, a day that traditionally attracts a large number of pilgrims.
As the bus approached the Madhuvanahalli bypass area in Kollegal taluk, the front tyre allegedly burst without warning. The sudden blowout caused the driver to lose control, leading the bus to overturn.
Passengers inside the vehicle were thrown into panic as the bus toppled, leaving many trapped and injured.
"The accident occurred after the front tyre of the bus reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle."
Local residents and emergency responders rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations to evacuate passengers from the damaged bus.
The impact of the accident was severe, resulting in the immediate deaths of two passengers. Rescue teams worked swiftly to remove trapped passengers and provide first aid before shifting the injured to nearby medical facilities.
The bodies of the deceased were later transported to the Kollegal Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Authorities said the accident site witnessed chaotic scenes as relatives, local residents and emergency personnel gathered to assist those affected.
A total of 67 passengers sustained injuries in the accident and were rushed to the Kollegal Government Hospital for treatment.
Hospital sources indicated that more than 10 passengers suffered serious head injuries and multiple trauma-related complications. Due to the severity of their condition, they were referred to hospitals in Mysuru for specialized medical care.
Doctors are closely monitoring the condition of the critically injured passengers.
"Several injured passengers were shifted to Mysuru hospitals after sustaining severe head injuries in the accident."
Health officials said emergency medical teams were mobilised immediately to handle the large number of casualties.
Personnel from the Kollegal Rural Police Station visited the accident site soon after receiving information and carried out a detailed inspection.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the tyre burst and subsequent overturning of the bus.
Officials are also expected to examine the vehicle's maintenance records and mechanical condition as part of the inquiry.
The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance, particularly on routes that witness heavy pilgrim traffic during special religious occasions.
In a separate incident reported from Kolar city, a motorcyclist narrowly escaped injury after losing balance while attempting to avoid a pothole on Kanakana Palya 3rd Road.
According to local residents, the rider fell from the motorcycle while trying to navigate around the damaged section of the road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the area.
Residents alleged that the pothole had been left improperly filled following underground drainage (UGD) work and blamed negligence during road restoration for the mishap.
Locals have urged authorities to immediately repair the road and address safety hazards to prevent future accidents.
