In Tumakuru district of Karnataka, a tragic accident occurred near the Kora area in Vasantanarsapura Industrial Area on Friday morning. A cruiser vehicle carrying pilgrims collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to seven others.
The group was returning from the Sabari Mala pilgrimage in Kerala. Among the deceased is a young girl. The police reported that the cruiser struck the parked truck, leading to this fatal accident.
The deceased have been identified as six-year-old Sakshi, 30-year-old Venkateshappa, 35-year-old Marathappa, and 40-year-old Gavisiddappa. All victims were residents of Kukanur in Koppal district.
Initial investigations reveal that eleven pilgrims were travelling in the cruiser. The injured have been admitted to hospital, with two in serious condition. The pilgrims had started their journey to Sabari Mala on January 5 from two villages.
The accident took place around 4:40 AM within the jurisdiction of Kora Police Station. Authorities believe the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, but a thorough investigation is ongoing, including examination of CCTV footage from the area.
Police are also conducting inquiries with the injured individuals. The families of the deceased have been informed, and relatives are arriving at the scene.
Earlier, on November 24, 2025, a similar incident occurred in Abbenahalli village of Chikkaballapur district, where a car carrying pilgrims to Sabari Mala crashed after hitting a flyover side barrier and fell into an underpass, killing four.
Police had attributed that accident to high speed, which caused the vehicle to lose control and fall nearly 100 metres below, resulting in immediate deaths.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.