NHAI at fault for major accident that killed 9 persons in Hassan: Minister Gopalaiah

Hassan: Hassan district in-charge minister K Gopalaiah claimed the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) was at fault for a major highway road mishap that killed nine people, including four children.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Gopalaiah, who is also the Karnataka Minister for Excise, said that NHAI’s negligence was found at the outset and preliminary investigations also suggest this. The people who are responsible for the tragedy won’t be spared, he said.

Nine persons, including four children, were killed on the spot after being hit by a milk tanker on national highway 69, near Banavara town in Hassan district on Saturday night.

The tempo traveller in which the victims travelled was mangled and stuck between the bus and the milk tanker. A preliminary investigation by the police suggested that the absence of signboards on one way was found to be the reason for the tragedy.

The pilgrims were returning from a Hindu pilgrimage centre in Dharmasthala and were relatives.

Minister Gopalaiah stated that no matter how much compensation is given, the dead can’t be brought back. But, those responsible for the tragedy will be punished, he maintained.

He also stated that he would discuss with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai with regard to providing compensation to the victims.

(With IANS inputs)