Karnataka bus tragedy: Driver, cleaner dead, 26 college students injured in Hiriyur accident
Two people were killed and 26 students were injured when a private bus overturned on National Highway 48 near Aimangala in Hiriyur taluk early Friday morning (August 21, 2026). The deceased have been identified as the bus driver, Guruprasad, and the cleaner, Shankar, both of whom died on the spot.
The bus was carrying approximately 56 students from Universal Nursing College in Arekere, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru. The students were returning from a trip to Goa when the accident occurred around 5.30 a.m. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Chitradurga for treatment.
Senior police officers, including Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith Kumar Bandaru, visited the accident site. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle, which then toppled into a roadside drain. Police have indicated that driver negligence may have been a contributing factor, but a detailed probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause.
Local residents and emergency personnel assisted in rescuing the injured students. The condition of the injured was reported to be stable, according to initial reports from the hospital. Authorities have assured strict action based on the findings of the investigation.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety, particularly on national highways where heavy vehicles and long-distance travel pose significant risks. Officials have urged operators to ensure proper rest for drivers and adherence to safety norms to prevent such tragedies.
