Yellapura: In a tragic accident, at least 11 people lost their lives and 20 others sustained critical injuries when a vegetable truck collided with a tripper and fell into a 50-meter-deep valley in Karnataka’s Uttar Kannada district. The incident occurred around 4:00 am on Wednesday near Gulapura village on the Yalapura Highway.
According to Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M. Narayana, the victims were fruit vendors traveling from Savanur to the Yellapura fair to sell their produce. The accident happened on the Savanur-Hubballi road, a forested section of the highway, when the truck driver attempted to make way for another vehicle. “In the process, the truck veered to the extreme left and plunged into a 50-meter-deep valley as there was no protective wall on the road,” Narayana explained.
All 11 victims died on the spot, and the 20 injured were rushed to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi for emergency treatment.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with concerns being raised about road safety and the lack of protective barriers on hazardous sections of the highway. The accident has brought attention to the condition of rural roads in Karnataka, which are often critical routes for vendors and travelers.
The state government has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured assistance to those affected.
