Mother, toddler killed after car plunges into canal near channarayapatna

Hassan : A tragic road accident claimed the lives of a young mother and her one-and-a-half-year-old child after a car lost control and plunged into the Hemavathi canal near Mallanaghatta in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district. The deceased have been identified as Priyanka (30) and her son Vaibhav.

According to police, the incident occurred on National Highway 75 when the family was returning to Bengaluru after visiting Dharmasthala. The family, hailing from Devanahalli, had travelled in a Swift car for a temple visit and were on their way back when the accident took place.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle while passing through Mallanaghatta village limits. The car veered off the road and fell into the adjacent Hemavathi canal. The impact proved fatal for Priyanka and her toddler, who died on the spot.

Four other occupants of the car sustained serious injuries in the accident. They were immediately rushed to the Channarayapatna taluk hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. The condition of some of the injured is said to be critical.

Local residents and passersby rushed to the scene upon noticing the accident and assisted in rescue efforts before police arrived. The Channarayapatna traffic police later visited the spot, conducted an inspection, and initiated further proceedings.

Authorities suspect overspeeding or loss of control as a possible cause, though a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact reason behind the mishap. The accident has once again highlighted safety concerns on highways, particularly near canal-side stretches lacking protective barriers.

A case has been registered at the Channarayapatna traffic police station. Officials have urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on highways, to prevent such tragic incidents.