A devastating road accident involving a tractor claimed three lives and left two others injured in Karnataka's Bagalkot district on Friday. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the region, highlighting the perilous conditions often faced by agricultural labourers during transport.
Tragedy Strikes in Kamatagi Village
The fatal accident occurred in Kamatagi village, located in Hunagund taluk. According to the Aminagad police, who have registered a case, a tractor laden with sugarcane overturned, leading to the casualties. The vehicle was carrying five sugarcane-cutting labourers at the time of the incident.
Victims Identified, Families Devastated
The deceased have been identified as Rukminibai Nayak (36), her daughter Shivani Nayak (6), and her son Roshan Nayak (4). The family hailed from Anekal tanda in the neighbouring Hagaribommanahalli taluk. The two injured persons were rushed to a local hospital for treatment, where they are currently admitted. Their conditions are being monitored.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Mechanical Failure
Preliminary reports from the police investigation indicate that the tragedy occurred when the tractor's hook was cut, causing the vehicle to topple over. This sudden mechanical failure led to the occupants being trapped under the vehicle or thrown from it. The incident underscores the critical importance of vehicle maintenance, especially for vehicles used for transporting labourers in rural areas.
The local community and authorities are in shock following the heartbreaking event. Such accidents bring to the fore the ongoing issues of road safety and safe transport for migrant and agricultural workers in India. A thorough investigation is expected to determine the exact sequence of events and any potential lapses that contributed to this preventable loss of life.
