A tragic road accident in Karnataka's Tumakuru district has claimed the lives of four devotees of Lord Ayyappa and left eight others injured. The group was returning from a pilgrimage to the famed Sabarimala temple in Kerala when their vehicle met with a devastating collision.
The Fatal Collision on Sira Road
The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, February 26, on the Sira road. According to police reports, a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) carrying the devotees rammed into a stationary lorry from behind. The impact of the crash was severe, causing immediate fatalities and critical injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Narayana Swamy (65), his wife Lakshmamma (60), Chandru (35), and Nagesh (32). All were residents of Sira town in Tumakuru district. The injured, including the driver of the MUV, were swiftly transported to a nearby government hospital for emergency medical treatment. Their conditions are reported to be stable, but they remain under observation.
Return Journey from Sabarimala Turns Deadly
The pilgrims had undertaken a spiritual journey to the Sabarimala temple, a major Hindu shrine located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. They were on their way back home when the accident took place. Preliminary investigations by local authorities suggest that driver fatigue or a possible lapse in attention might have contributed to the crash, as the MUV failed to notice the parked lorry on the road.
Officials from the Sira Rural Police Station have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the exact circumstances. The scene of the accident was cordoned off, and the vehicles were examined for any technical faults. The larger context of road safety, especially on highways used by long-distance travelers and pilgrims, has come into sharp focus following this event.
Community Mourns and Calls for Safety
The news of the accident has sent shockwaves through the Sira community and among devotees across the region. The loss of four lives, including an elderly couple, has been met with profound grief. Local leaders and community members have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families.
This tragedy underscores the persistent issue of road safety in India. It highlights several critical concerns:
- The dangers of long-distance driving, particularly after tiring pilgrimages.
- The hazards posed by improperly parked heavy vehicles on highways.
- The need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and driver rest periods.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will be comprehensive. The focus now is on providing all necessary support to the injured survivors and the families of the deceased as they cope with this sudden and immense loss.
