A serious accident involving a foreign tourist has once again highlighted safety concerns at the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in Karnataka's Vijayanagara district. A 52-year-old man from France sustained critical injuries after slipping while attempting to climb a hill.
The Incident and Two-Day Ordeal
The tourist, identified as Bruno Roger, was exploring alone near the historic Mahanavami Dibba in Hampi on the evening of December 24. According to police reports, Roger lost his footing while trying to ascend the octagonal bathing hill located behind the Dibba. The fall resulted in a severe leg injury, leaving him immobile.
As the area is remote and largely uninhabited, Roger remained stranded at the spot for nearly two days. Despite his critical condition, he managed to crawl to a nearby banana plantation. It was there that local residents finally noticed him on Friday and immediately informed the authorities.
Rescue and Medical Response
Personnel from the Kamalapur police station and officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) swiftly responded to the alert. They reached the location and conducted a rescue operation to evacuate the injured tourist. After providing initial first aid at the scene, the team transported Roger to the district hospital in Koppal for advanced medical treatment.
Medical staff at the Koppal district hospital have reported that Bruno Roger's condition is now stable and he is recovering from his injuries. However, due to a significant language barrier, a detailed account of the incident from the tourist himself has not been fully obtained by officials.
Safety Warnings for Tourists
This alarming incident has reignited discussions about visitor safety at Hampi, a globally renowned destination that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. The police and the district administration have reiterated their advisory, strongly urging tourists to avoid venturing into isolated or remote areas of the heritage site without proper guidance or accompaniment.
Authorities emphasize that while Hampi's landscape of boulders and ancient structures is captivating, it can pose significant risks, especially for solo travelers unfamiliar with the terrain. Visitors are advised to stick to designated paths and seek assistance from authorized guides.
