Five from Haveri killed in Koppal Highway crash

A tragic accident on National Highway 63 in Koppal district claimed the lives of five individuals from Haveri district and left four others injured. The collision occurred around 1:30 am on Saturday when a goods truck reportedly crossed the highway median and struck an Omni van carrying the victims head-on.

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Praveen and Kenchamma Balekayi were husband and wife, while Chinmay was their son.

The victims, identified as residents of Kabbar village in Haveri district, were traveling to Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Koppal. The deceased have been identified as Kenchamma Balekayi, 35, Amrutha Kotyal, 25, Ramesh Ballari, 45, Chinmay, 16, and Praveen Shivaji Balekayi. Praveen and Kenchamma Balekayi were husband and wife, and Chinmay was their son.

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Among the injured, Samarth Yadav is in critical condition and has been shifted to a hospital in Ballari for advanced treatment.

Among the injured, Samarth Yadav is in critical condition and has been transferred to a hospital in Ballari for advanced treatment. The other injured individuals, Samarth, Sonali, Praveen Kotyal, and Pranav, are receiving treatment at the Koppal District Hospital. The impact of the collision was severe, crushing the van and throwing its occupants onto the road. Four people died at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries later at the hospital.

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The deaths have left Kabbar village in mourning, with relatives and residents urging the district administration to provide compensation and assistance to the affected families.

Police have registered a case against the truck driver, Ramesh, 40. Initial investigations suggest the truck crossing the divider was the primary cause, but factors such as speeding, loss of control, or driver fatigue are also being examined. The incident has cast a pall of mourning over Kabbar village, with relatives appealing to the district administration for compensation and support for the bereaved families. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed his shock and urged the state government to provide adequate compensation and medical care.

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I was deeply shocked by the deaths and injuries of devotees from Haveri district who were travelling for the darshan of a deity. I urge the state government to provide adequate compensation to the bereaved families while ensuring the best possible medical treatment for those receiving care.