By The News Observer Desk,
Ankola: A state transport corporation bus carrying 49 passengers, including the driver and conductor, overturned and fell into a ditch after hitting three sharp turns in the Vaddi Ghat area of Ankola taluk on Saturday evening around 7 PM. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though all passengers sustained injuries, ranging from minor to moderate.
The bus, belonging to the Kumta depot, was traveling from Ballari to Kumta. Due to ongoing roadwork on the Kumta-Sirsi route, the bus was rerouted through Vaddi Ghat. This stretch of the state highway is notorious for its steep, hazardous turns in the hilly terrain. Authorities believe the driver lost control at one of these sharp bends, causing the bus to roll over and plunge into a ditch.
Local residents rushed to the scene, assisting in rescuing the injured passengers. The wounded were promptly transported to hospitals in Ankola and Kumta using private vehicles. While most injuries were minor, medical treatment was provided to ensure the passengers' safety.
Officials from the Ankola police and the transport department visited the accident site to conduct an investigation. A case has been registered at the Ankola police station regarding the incident.
Local residents and Zilla Panchayat member G.M. Shetty have raised concerns about the dangerous turns in the Vaddi Ghat area, urging authorities to widen the road, realign the curves, and implement safety measures to prevent future accidents.
