Twenty-two people were killed and 32 others injured when the mini-truck they were travelling in overturned at Halaki Cross in Savadatti taluk, Belgaum district, in the wee hours of Saturday.
Of the 22, seven were aged below 10 years, including Baoli Ramappa Chavan (9), Terrace Somappa Rathod (4), Bhantesa Gurappa Chavan (5), Babala Ramappa Chavan (2). Parusu Balappa Vaddara (6), Shivraj Chavan Pilappa (4) and a 5-year-old girl who is yet to be identified. All the victims were residents of Surpur taluk in Yadgir district.
Those with minor injuries have been shifted to Bailhongal Government Hospital and Chachadi Primary Health Centre. Nine people with serious injuries have been admitted to KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital while six others are at the district hospital in Belgaum. Doctors have confirmed that all the injured are out of danger.
According to sources, nearly 54 people were travelling from their hometown to Kasal village in Maharashtra. They were being taken there to work as labourers in a stone mining factory and for road repair work. The accident occurred at 5.15 am when the driver, who was feeling drowsy, lost control of the vehicle. A case has been registered at Mudgod police station.