2 killed as pole falls on public after jeep rams it in Sullia

A pick up vehicle claimed the lives of two persons who were watching tug of war at Kandaka in Sullia, on Sunday evening. 

According to police, the deceased have been identified as Gopalakrishna (22) and a fifth standard student Sushmitha (12). 

Navachethana Yuvaka Mandala had organised taluk-level tug of war competition on Sunday evening, beside a stream near Kandadka bridge. As there was not enough space for the spectators to sit, many were watching by standing beside Sullia-Subrahmanya main road. 

A speedy pick up vehicle coming from Sullia rammed against an electric pole and the pole fell on the people who were watching the tug of war. The people began running helter and skelter.

Later, they realised that two persons had sustained severe injuries. Though they were rushed to hospital, the doctors declared them brought dead. Gopalakrishna is the son of Janardhan Maniyani in Mundokaje and was working in Maruthi showroom in Sullia. Sushmitha is the daughter of Panner Swlvam and was the student of Doddathota Government School. 

She was returning home after writing entrance examination for Navoadaya School. As tug of war was going on, she stood beside the road to watch the competition. Geetha, Venkappa Gowda, Umesh among others too have suffered injuries. 

Programme cancelled

The pick up vehicle belongs to one Selva Nayakam. A youth who was learning driving was said to be driving the vehicle. The final tug of war competition was cancelled by the organisers following the incident. They also cancelled the cultural programmes which were scheduled to be held in the night.