Tumakuru (Karnataka): Five students were killed after a private bus plying towards Pavagada from YN Hoskotte along Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh border overturned near Palavalli Ghat in Pavagada taluk, on Saturday. Police said four students were killed in the spot while one more succumbed to the injuries later. It is feared that the death toll may go up as some of the 25 other passengers injured from the ill-fated bus accident are critical.
Tumakuru Rural Superintendent of Police Rahul Kumar said the deceased were identified as Amulya, (18), Ajith, (16), another Ajith, (17), Shah Nawaz, (18), and Kalyan, (18), all students. "The mishap occurred at around 9am. The driver of the bus (operated by SVT travels) lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve near Palavalli Ghat. The bus rolled over and veered off the road," the SP said.
Police said the bus driver has fled the scene soon after the accident. The bus was overcrowded and was carrying about 60 passengers, with some of them travelling by the roof. Pavagada MLA Venkataramanappa who rushed to the spot alleged that the competitive ticket fare offered by the private transport has made it the most preferred for the students.
The students and other passengers prefer only private buses which is cheaper than the state-run buses. Two more buses plying in this route has been temporarily suspended after recent accidents. This has led to overcrowding today, said the Congress MLA.