Three killed on the spot as car rams into lorry on NH-48
Tumakuru: At least three people were killed on the spot and several others injured in a horrific road accident involving a car and a lorry on National Highway-48 near Nelahal in Tumakuru taluk on Monday morning.
The accident occurred in the early hours when the victims were returning to Bengaluru after a leisure trip. Police said the deceased were travelling in a Maruti Ertiga car, which crashed into the rear of a lorry at high speed. The impact was so severe that three occupants of the car died instantly at the scene.
According to preliminary information, the group had travelled to tourist destinations including Gokarna, Murudeshwar and Udupi. While they were on their way back to Bengaluru in the early morning hours, the accident took place near Nelahal village on the busy NH-48 stretch.
Apart from the three fatalities, one person sustained serious injuries, while two others suffered minor injuries in the mishap. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where the condition of one of the victims is said to be critical.
Police sources said the deceased are all residents of Bengaluru, though their identities are yet to be officially confirmed as authorities are in the process of informing their families. The bodies were shifted to the Tumakuru district hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.
Eyewitnesses said the car reportedly rammed into the stationary or slow-moving lorry from behind, suggesting possible overspeeding or poor visibility during early morning hours. However, the exact cause of the accident will be ascertained after a detailed investigation.
Following the incident, traffic on NH-48 was briefly disrupted as emergency services and police personnel carried out rescue operations and cleared the damaged vehicles from the road. Motorists were diverted for some time to ease congestion on the highway.
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok KV visited the accident spot along with Kora police officials and inspected the scene. He directed officers to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and ensure all necessary assistance to the victims’ families.
A case has been registered at the Kora police station, and further investigation is underway. Police have once again appealed to motorists to strictly follow traffic rules, avoid overspeeding and remain alert, especially during night and early morning travel, to prevent such tragic accidents.
The incident adds to the growing list of fatal road accidents reported on NH-48, raising concerns over road safety and reckless driving on highways.
