Koppal: Three pilgrims killed, six injured as goods vehicle rams Omni van

Mangalore Today News Network

Koppal, Jun 27, 2026: Three people were killed on the spot and six others sustained serious injuries after an Omni van they were travelling in was hit by a speeding goods vehicle on National Highway 63 near Bhanapur in Kuknoor taluk of Koppal district in the early hours of Saturday.

The deceased have been identified as Kenchamma Balikai (35), Amrutha Kotyal (25), and Ramesh Ballari (45), all residents of Kabbur village in Haveri district. Another passenger, Praveen Shivaji, suffered critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The victims were on a pilgrimage to Mantralaya when the accident occurred.

According to police, the speeding goods vehicle allegedly crossed the road divider before crashing head-on into the Omni van, killing three occupants instantly and leaving six others seriously injured.

The impact of the collision was so severe that the bodies of the deceased were dismembered, making rescue operations extremely challenging. Rescue personnel and ambulance staff had to collect the remains before shifting the injured to the district hospital for treatment.

Police from the Yelburga station rushed to the spot, conducted a preliminary investigation, and registered a case. Further investigation is underway.