9 killed, 13 injured in crash involving truck and tempo traveller in Karnataka's Tumakuru

They were travelling from Raichur to Bengaluru in a tempo traveller when a truck hit the tempo in the wee hours at Balenanahalli Gate in Sira taluk

Nine people, including two children, were killed while 13 were injured in an accident in Shira taluk, Tumakuru district this morning.

They were travelling from Raichur to Bengaluru in a tempo traveller when a truck hit the tempo in the wee hours at Balenanahalli Gate near Kallambella in Sira taluk.

It is said that there were over 20 people in the tempo. Most of them are migrant labourers from various parts of Raichur district who were on their way to Bengaluru for work.

Tumakuru DC Y S Patil visited the injured in the district hospital.

Speaking to media persons, the DC said that the tempo had around 24 people. Two injured travellers have been sent to Bengaluru. The rest of them are given treatment in Tumakuru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoling the incident has announced ex-gratia to the family of the deceased and those injured. "The accident in Tumakuru district, Karnataka is heart-rending. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with the injured. Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be paid to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be paid Rs 50,000: PM @narendramodi," the Prime Minister's office said in a tweet.

President Droupadi Murmu in a tweet said, "The loss of lives, including that of children and women, in a road accident in Tumakuru, Karnakata is extremely unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Noting that it is unfortunate that those who had come to earn their living have lost their lives, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai thanked PM for announcing ex-gratia and said, "From the state government too Rs 5 lakh would be paid to next of kin of each deceased."

"All the necessary arrangements have been made for the treatment of those injured and their medical expenses would be borne by the government," he said, adding that he has ordered police to conduct a thorough inquiry into the mishap.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, who is also Tumakuru district in charge, in a statement said that he has spoken to the district Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police and had instructed them to see to it that necessary treatment is provided to the injured.

(With agency inputs.)