A tragic road accident in Karnataka's Tumakuru district has claimed the lives of four pilgrims, including a seven-year-old girl, as they were returning from the famed Sabarimala temple. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 9, 2026, leaving six others seriously injured.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The accident took place around 5 am near the Vasanthanarasapura Industrial Area, close to Kora. According to the Tumakuru police, a car, often described as a cruiser, carrying ten devotees violently collided with a truck that was parked on the roadside. The impact was so severe that the car was extensively mangled, leading to the immediate death of four occupants.
The deceased have been identified as Sakshi, the young girl, Venkateshappa (30), Marathappa (35), and Gavisiddappa (40). All the victims were residents of Yelburga taluk in the neighbouring Koppal district.
Rescue and Investigation Efforts
The six other pilgrims who sustained serious injuries in the crash were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital. Police officials confirmed that all the injured are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be out of danger.
The Tumakuru police have registered a case and initiated a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the fatal crash. Preliminary findings point towards poor visibility and the fact that the truck was parked on the side of the road as potential contributing factors. However, authorities have stated that the exact cause is yet to be fully ascertained, and the probe is ongoing.
A Community in Mourning
This devastating event has cut short a spiritual journey, plunging families and the local community in Koppal into grief. The accident underscores the persistent dangers on Indian roads, especially during pilgrimage seasons when long-distance travel is common. It highlights critical issues of road safety, parking norms for heavy vehicles, and driving in low-light conditions.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the grieving families and the injured, while authorities work to determine the precise sequence of events that led to this heartbreaking loss of life.
