Bantwal: Bus carrying pilgrims from Shambhoor overturns near Kargal: Over 20 injured

A bus carrying pilgrims from Shambhoor overturned near Kargal in Sagara taluk early Sunday morning (Dec 15) due to a technical malfunction, leaving over 20 passengers injured.

The private bus, carrying around 50 passengers, had departed Shambhoor at approximately 5 AM, heading towards Jog Falls. Near a sharp turn in Kargal, the driver reportedly lost control, causing the bus to overturn.

Among the injured, Yashodha and Deekshitha from Shambhoor sustained serious injuries. Reports indicate that several passengers suffered fractures to their arms and legs, while a few children sustained head injuries. The injured were rushed to Sagara Hospital for treatment, with some requiring further care being transported to Mangaluru for advanced treatment.

Chaitresh, a passenger, informed Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik about the incident. Naik promptly alerted BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra, Sagara MLA Beluru Gopalakrishna, and Legislative Council member Dr. Dhananjay Sargi, who coordinated efforts to ensure the injured received timely medical attention.

Former Kargal Town Panchayat member Harish Gowda, along with members Balasubrahmanya and Gurusiddappa, visited the accident site and facilitated the transportation of the injured to the hospital using ambulances.

The group had departed from Shambhoor, picking up additional passengers from Panemangalore, BC Road, and Mangaluru. They planned to visit a temple before proceeding to Jog Falls when the accident occurred.