In a tragic road accident, four devotees on a padayatra (pilgrimage on foot) to the Huligamma Temple were killed on Tuesday morning after a private sleeper bus ran over them near Kukanapalli village in Koppal district.
Several others were injured and rushed to Koppal District Hospital for treatment.
🚨 The Accident
According to police reports, the devotees from Tallihal village in Ron taluk, Gadag district, were walking along National Highway 50 when the accident occurred.
The group had started their padayatra two days ago and were just three hours away from reaching their destination — the Huligamma temple — when tragedy struck.
A private sleeper bus traveling from Sindhogi to Bengaluru lost control and rammed into the devotees from behind, leaving four dead on the spot and injuring several others.
“The victims were walking by the roadside when the bus veered off its lane and hit them. Rescue teams reached immediately, and the injured were shifted to hospital,”
said a police official from Munirabad Police Station.
🕯️ Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as:
- Annapurna (40)
- Prakash (25)
- Sharanappa (19)
- One more devotee yet to be identified
All four hailed from Tallihal village, and their bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination at Koppal District Hospital.
👮 Investigation Underway
A case has been registered at Munirabad police station, and the Koppal Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Ram Arasiddi visited the spot to oversee the investigation.
The bus driver’s role is being examined, and authorities are verifying whether overspeeding or driver fatigue led to the accident.
The bus has been seized for mechanical inspection, officials confirmed.
“We are conducting a detailed probe. Primary evidence points to negligence by the bus driver. Action will be taken as per law,”
said SP Dr. Ram Arasiddi.
🚑 Injured Under Treatment
Several devotees sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
They were admitted to Koppal District Hospital, where medical teams are providing emergency care.
Police and volunteers helped evacuate victims swiftly, preventing further casualties.
⚰️ Similar Incident in Hassan Last Month
This tragic episode follows another fatal incident in Hassan district last month, where eight people were killed and 25 injured after a truck lost control and rammed into devotees during a Ganesh idol immersion procession on National Highway 373.
Authorities say both incidents highlight the urgent need for strict safety measures for pilgrims and better enforcement on highways frequented by padayatras.
📊 Summary: Koppal Bus Accident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 8, 2025 |
| Location | Near Kukanapalli, Koppal district, Karnataka |
| Victims | 4 dead, several injured |
| Deceased Identified As | Annapurna (40), Prakash (25), Sharanappa (19), one unidentified |
| Vehicle Involved | Private sleeper bus (Sindhogi–Bengaluru route) |
| Cause (Preliminary) | Negligence / sudden lane change |
| Investigation By | Munirabad Police Station, Koppal SP |
| Destination | Huligamma Temple (Padayatra pilgrims) |
