Karwar, 30 May

A serious road accident occurred on NH-52 near Kanchinabagilu in Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district, involving a Sea Bird transport bus.

The bus, carrying tourists from Ballari to Goa, lost control and overturned, resulting in one passenger’s death and over 20 passengers seriously injured.

Preliminary reports suggest overspeeding and driver loss of control as the primary causes. The bus, which was completely blocking the highway, had 36 passengers on board.

The deceased, Sharanayya, 42, from Andhra Pradesh, died instantly due to excessive blood loss. Many passengers sustained serious injuries, while others suffered minor injuries. Local residents and police responded swiftly, rescuing and transporting the injured to Ankola Taluk Hospital, with some referred to Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (KRIMS).

The overturned bus caused a major traffic jam, with long queues forming on both sides of the highway.  A crane was brought in by Ankola police to clear the road and restore normal traffic. A case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.