Three devotees were killed and more than 10 injured when a truck allegedly rammed into a religious procession near the Hattaragi toll plaza in Karnataka’s Hukkeri taluk on Sunday morning, prompting a police investigation into the fatal crash and the safety arrangements on a busy road.
The devotees, from Hunchyanatti village, were reportedly returning after bringing a Durga Mata idol from Belagavi when the accident occurred. According to preliminary information reported by the Times of India, the truck was travelling behind the procession before crashing into the group.
The deceased were identified as Prakash, Mahesh and Daneshwari. Four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Other injured people were shifted to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital and nearby private hospitals for treatment. The identities of some of those injured had not been established when the report was published.
The collision triggered panic among the people accompanying the procession. Police reached the site and began rescue operations after the crash. The incident took place near the Hattaragi toll plaza, a location where religious processions and regular highway traffic came into close proximity.
A case has been registered at the Yamakanmardi police station. Investigators are examining the exact cause of the collision, including how the truck approached the procession and the circumstances in which the impact occurred. The report did not provide details of any arrest, alleged driver negligence or traffic-control measures at the site.
The crash has cast a shadow over religious celebrations in the Belagavi district and renewed concerns about the safety of processions held on highways and major roads. Such events require participants, organisers, police and road authorities to manage the interaction between slow-moving groups and regular traffic, particularly on routes used by heavy vehicles.
The immediate focus remains on the treatment of those injured and the police investigation. Further details about the circumstances of the crash, accountability and any safety measures adopted for similar processions are expected to emerge as the Yamakanmardi police continue their inquiry.
