In a tragic incident in Karnataka's Koppal district, six people were killed and nine others injured when a tractor they were traveling in fell off a bridge. The accident occurred near the village of Hiresindogi in Koppal taluk on Monday morning.
Details of the Accident
The tractor was carrying a group of farm laborers to work in a nearby field when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the bridge and plunge into a dry riverbed. The victims included five women and one man, all aged between 30 and 50 years. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where three are reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue and Response
Local residents alerted the police, who arrived at the scene along with emergency services. Rescue teams worked to extricate the victims from the wreckage. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examination. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Investigation
Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the tractor may have been overloaded, and the driver might have lost control due to a mechanical failure or negligence. The driver is among the injured and is being questioned.
This incident highlights the risks faced by farm laborers who often rely on unsafe modes of transport. Authorities have urged farmers to ensure that their vehicles are not overloaded and that safety measures are followed. The state government has also promised to take steps to prevent such accidents in the future.
