KARNATAKA:  Six pilgrims were killed and 16 others injured in a road accident near Chunchanura village in Belagavi district in the early hours of Thursday, January 5. 

The deceased have been identified as Hanumavva (25), Deepa (31), Savita (17), Supritha (11), Indiravva (24) and Maruthi (42). The deceased were on their way to the famous Saundatti Yallamma temple from Hulanda village. The incident took place when the Bolero overturned after hitting a banyan tree at a bend after the driver lost control.

Police said that the deceased were walking towards the temple and in midway, the vehicle driver who saw them walking insisted on giving them a lift. A few minutes after they boarded the accident took place killing 5 persons on the spot and another died while they were carrying them to the hospital. A preliminary investigation revealed that the accident had taken place due to rash and negligent driving.

There were 23 passengers on board the Bolero cargo van. The event injured about 16 people, who were sent to neighboring hospitals. Sanjeev Patil, the superintendent of police (SP), hurried to the scene.

Following the tragedy, Minister for Water Resources Govinda Karajol has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of the victims. Expressing condolence over the deaths, he said that he will pray for the speedy recovery of the injured persons. Katakola police have taken up the investigation of the case.

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