According to sources, eight women labourers were travelling from Kolagal village in the auto to work in the fields. The auto driver lost control and the vehicle fell into the 12 feet deep water. The passersby swung into action and managed to rescue two women--Lingamma and Azadee.
The expert swimmers of the fire brigade with the help of a rubber boat extricated the bodies of Adilakshmi (26), Lakshmi (32), Siddalingamma(65), Yeramma (65) and Girijamma (35), and auto driver Yerriswamy (30). One body is yet to be identified.
Deputy Commissioner B Shivappa, Superintendent of Police Seemanth Kumar Singh, fire brigade officials visited the spot.
Ministers G Janardhan Reddy, B Sriramulu and G Karunakar Reddy and legislator G Somashekar Reddy visited the spot and expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident. Speaking to reporters, Janardhan Reddy announced that he would give Rs one lakh each to the the families of the deceased. He also promised that he would make efforts to get relief from the government. One rescued woman has been admitted to the VIMS in Bellary.
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