Six dead after goods vehicle carrying Saundatti temple devotees hits tree

BELAGAVI: Six devotees died and more than sixteen were injured after a goods vehicle hit a banyan tree near Chunchanur in Ramdurg taluk on Thursday morning.

The deceased have been identified as Hanumavva (24), Deepa (31), Savitha (12), Supreetha (11), Maruthi (42) and Indravva (24), all residents of Hulakunda village in Ramdurg taluk.

Belagavi SP Sanjeev Patil visited the spot.

Twenty-three devotees were travelling barefoot towards Savadatti Yellamma Temple when the driver of a goods vehicle stopped by and offered to give them a ride as it was cold early in the morning and road was empty. In the night, they had food near Kadakol and resumed their journey in the morning. A little distance after they got into the goods vehicle, it hit a banyan tree. While five people died on the spot, one died in hospital.

The injured devotees were admitted to a hospital in Gokak. The incident occurred within the Kadakol police station limits and Belagavi SP Sanjeev Patil visited the spot.

Minister for Major and Medium Irrigation, Govind Karajol, announced Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased.

“The devotees of Hulakund village were travelling towards Savadatti Yellamma temple and six of them are dead after an accident. I received instructions from Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai to announce Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. I have also spoken to the DHO about giving proper treatment to the injured and may the family members find the strength to bear the pain”, said Minister for Major and Medium Irrigation, Govind Karajol.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also announced that the state government will bear the cost of treatment of the injured and added that he is in touch with the district administration. A case has been registered and a detailed investigation will be carried out, he said.