A devastating road accident near Rani Cross on the outskirts of Devanahalli late Saturday night claimed the lives of three women and left several others injured. The incident occurred on the road leading to Kempegowda International Airport when a lorry rammed into a Tempo Traveller (TT) vehicle carrying a group of passengers.
The victims have been identified as Jayamma (60), Yashodamma (60), and Ganga (38), who died on the spot due to the impact. The TT vehicle was carrying 13 passengers, out of which eight others, including the driver, sustained injuries. The injured were rushed to a private hospital in Devanahalli, where they are currently undergoing treatment. One of the injured, Kempamma, is said to be in critical condition and has been shifted to a hospital in Bengaluru for advanced care.
According to initial reports, the group had planned a 15-day pilgrimage trip to Kashi. Around 12 members from the same locality had organized the यात्रा through a women’s self-help group chit fund and had booked an early morning flight scheduled at 6 AM. They had departed from Tiptur at around 10 PM in the TT vehicle, heading toward the airport.
Sources revealed that the driver was relying on Google Maps for navigation and reportedly missed an earlier service road turn. While attempting a U-turn at the next junction, the TT vehicle suddenly moved toward the center of the road. At that moment, a speeding lorry traveling alongside collided with the vehicle.
The force of the crash completely damaged the left side of the TT vehicle. The three women, who were seated on the single seats on that side, bore the brunt of the impact and died instantly.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary findings suggest that overspeeding by the lorry may have contributed to the severity of the accident. Following the crash, the lorry driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining factors such as reckless driving, navigation errors, and road conditions to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety, especially on high-speed routes leading to the airport, where a momentary lapse can lead to irreversible consequences.
