Sullia: Driver dies of heart attack while driving bus, saves 24 passengers from major tragedy

Mangalore Today News Network

Sullia, May 9, 2026: A major tragedy was averted after a private bus travelling from Bengaluru to Kukke Subramanya Temple met with an accident near Katikeri close to Madikeri in the early hours of Friday, following a heart attack suffered by the driver while the bus was in motion.

The driver, identified as Shivakumar, reportedly suffered a heart attack around 5 am while negotiating a curve near Katikeri. As a result, the bus went out of control and crashed into a roadside embankment before coming to a halt.

It is said that despite suffering the heart attack, Shivakumar attempted to stop the bus and, when unable to do so, steered it towards the roadside barrier to prevent a bigger disaster.

There were 24 passengers on board, all of whom escaped safely due to the driver’s final effort to save their lives. However, Shivakumar later succumbed to the severe heart attack while seated in the driver’s seat.