One occupant was rescued by local fishermen after the tipper plunged into the Krishna River, while the driver is feared trapped inside the submerged vehicle
A major road accident occurred on the Vijayapura-Hubballi National Highway 52 after a tipper truck lost control, collided with a car and plunged off the Kolhar Bridge into the Krishna River in Vijayapura district. One person was rescued alive by local fishermen, while the driver is feared trapped inside the submerged vehicle. Rescue operations were suspended after nightfall and will resume on Thursday.
Vijayapura: A massive rescue operation is underway after a tipper truck plunged into the Krishna River from the Kolhar Bridge on the Vijayapura-Hubballi National Highway 52 in Karnataka's Vijayapura district on Wednesday evening. One occupant was rescued alive, while the driver is feared trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the tipper was travelling towards Kolhar from Gaddanakeri Cross in neighbouring Bagalkot district when the accident occurred. Officials said the vehicle reportedly collided with a car while attempting to overtake, causing the driver to lose control before the tipper crashed through the bridge railing and plunged into the river.
"One person was rescued safely, while the tipper driver is suspected to be trapped inside the submerged vehicle. Rescue operations will resume on Thursday."
Vijayapura Kolhar Bridge Accident Leaves Driver Missing
The missing driver has been identified as Santosh Koti, a resident of Bennur village in Bagalkot district.
Rescue teams suspect he remains trapped inside the submerged tipper, but he could not be located before search operations were suspended on Wednesday night.
Officials said poor visibility after sunset forced them to halt the rescue effort. The submerged vehicle will be lifted using a crane on Thursday morning, after which the search operation will continue. Authorities are yet to confirm the driver's condition.
Vijayapura Local Fishermen Rescue Survivor from Krishna River
In a dramatic rescue, Sanju Mulage (28), a resident of Yaranagi village in Bidar district, survived the accident.
After the tipper fell into the river, Sanju managed to climb onto the partially submerged vehicle and called for help.
Local fishermen quickly reached the spot on a raft and safely rescued him before handing him over to emergency personnel.
Their swift response is believed to have saved his life.
"The survivor remained on top of the submerged tipper until local fishermen reached him on a raft and rescued him safely."
Police and Fire Brigade Begin Investigation
Personnel from the Police Department and the Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the accident site immediately after receiving information about the mishap.
Officials conducted a preliminary inspection and launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident.
The collision caused temporary disruption to traffic on the bridge as rescue teams carried out emergency operations.
Police later removed the damaged car involved in the accident, restoring normal vehicular movement on the national highway.
Rescue Operation to Continue on Thursday
Officials confirmed that the submerged tipper could not be recovered on Wednesday due to darkness and river conditions.
A crane has been arranged to lift the vehicle from the Krishna River on Thursday, following which rescue personnel will continue searching for the missing driver.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution while overtaking on highways and bridge stretches to avoid similar accidents.
The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Bilagi Police Station in Bagalkot district, and further investigation is underway.
