One killed, six critically injured as Bolero rams stationary borewell lorry in Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru: One person was killed on the spot and six others sustained serious injuries after a speeding Bolero jeep crashed into a stationary borewell lorry on the outskirts of Doranalu village in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district on Wednesday night.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the Bolero jeep was completely mangled, leaving all seven occupants trapped inside the wreckage. According to police, the victims were labourers travelling in the Bolero jeep from MC Halli village to Kalattigiri for daily wage work.
After completing their work, they were returning to MC Halli late at night when the accident occurred. While passing through the outskirts of Doranalu village, the jeep reportedly rammed into a borewell drilling lorry that was parked on the roadside.
Eyewitnesses said the jeep was travelling at high speed and the driver may not have noticed the stationary lorry in time. The force of the collision resulted in one passenger dying instantly, while the remaining six sustained grievous injuries. Their condition is said to be critical.
Local villagers rushed to the spot immediately after hearing the crash and helped rescue the injured from the mangled vehicle. The injured were first shifted to the Tarikere government hospital for initial treatment. Due to the severity of their injuries, doctors referred all six to the district hospital at Shivamogga’s McGann Hospital for advanced medical care.
Police from Tarikere and Lingadahalli police stations visited the accident site soon after receiving information and conducted a preliminary inspection. The body of the deceased was shifted for post-mortem examination. The identity of the deceased is yet to be officially released, pending intimation to family members.
The accident led to a major traffic disruption on the Tarikere–Kalattigiri stretch, with vehicles stranded for over an hour. Police personnel worked to clear the damaged vehicles from the road and restored normal traffic movement.
A case has been registered in connection with the incident, and police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials said they are examining whether poor visibility, speeding or improper parking of the borewell lorry contributed to the crash. Statements from the injured, once their condition stabilises, will also be recorded as part of the probe.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety in rural stretches, especially involving parked heavy vehicles without adequate warning signs. Police have urged vehicle owners and drivers to strictly follow safety norms to prevent such fatal accidents.
