Bidar, 27 June

At least nine people were killed in four separate accidents across Karnataka on Saturday, including a highway collision in Koppal, a motorcycle crash in Tumakuru, a Muharram mishap in Ballari and a road accident in Dharwad.

5 killed in Koppal crash 

Five people died, and four were injured after a goods vehicle crossed the divider and rammed a van on NH-63 near Bhanapur in Koppal district. The victims were travelling from Kabbar village in Haveri to Mantralayam. The deceased were Kenchamma Balekayi (35), her husband Praveen Shivaji Balekayi, son Chinmaya, 16; and Amrutha Kotyal, 25, and Ramesh Ballari, 45. One injured, Samarth Yadav, remains critical.

Teen dies on first bike ride 

Nineteen-year-old Nandish Kumar, a resident of Doddahalli village, died during his first ride on his newly purchased motorcycle near Gangasagar Cross when a speeding tipper lorry collided with the bike. Nandish died on the spot, while his friend, who was the pillion rider, escaped unharmed.

Youth dies in Muharram ritual 

Devendra, 28, of Kyadigehalu village in Ballari district, died after slipping into a ceremonial fire pit during the Muharram fire-walking ritual in Ballari. The incident took place in front of the village mosque during the traditional Alayi Kuni ritual. Devendra reportedly slipped while walking over the burning embers and fell into the fire pit, suffering severe burns. Despite treatment, he died early Saturday morning.

2 Killed in Dharwad 

Shanmukh Jogi, 28, of Dharwad and Sagar, 30, a native of Uttar Pradesh, were killed after their canter truck rammed a stationary lorry on NH-4 near Belur village while its driver was replacing a burst tyre.