Chikkamagalur
A woman was killed and several others were injured when a private bus fell into a ditch in a coffee plantation in the district after the driver lost control of the vehicle. The incident took place at around 4.30 am on Saturday under Gonibeedu Police station limits in Mudigere taluk.
The private bus, which was coming from Bengaluru towards Horanadu, lost control of the driver at a turn between Cheekanahalli and Kaskebail in the middle of Belur-Mudigere road and fell into a ditch in a coffee plantation. It fell to a depth of about 100 feet.
Surekha (47), who jumped out of the window of the bus, was trapped under the bus and died on the spot. Another man was seriously injured. Ten people were seriously injured while the rest sustained minor injuries. It is learnt that around 10 passengers were on their way to Horanadu in a private bus.
As soon as the fire brigade, Gonibeedu Police and Banakal social worker Arif came to know about the incident, they reached the spot along with other ambulance drivers and engaged in rescue operations. The injured have been rushed to Belur hospital. Those in need of further treatment have been shifted to Hassan and Bengaluru.
Accidents are occurring continuously at this place. This year many vehicles have lost control here and fallen into a ditch. The highways department has not erected a proper retaining wall or even put up a warning signboard. The highways department is directly responsible for the accident. The villagers have demanded that a proper warning board and a retaining wall be constructed.
