Belagavi District Gripped by Road Tragedy Over Weekend
A devastating series of road accidents across Belagavi district has resulted in eight fatalities and left four individuals with serious injuries. The tragic incidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday, involving national and state highways, casting a shadow over the region.
Fatal Collision Near Koganolli Checkpost
In a particularly heartbreaking case, a couple lost their lives following a severe collision near the Koganolli checkpost on Saturday night. The victims, identified as Jigar Nakrani, 28, and Hetika, 24, residents of Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district, were traveling from Hubballi to Kolhapur when their car collided with a parked container vehicle. Both sustained critical injuries and succumbed at the hospital. A one-year-old girl, also injured in the crash, is currently recovering. Authorities at the Nippani police station have registered a case in connection with this incident.
Multiple Incidents Across the District
The weekend's carnage extended to several other locations:
- On the Athani-Harugeri highway, Srishail Havaldar, 48, from Saptasagar village, died after his bike was struck by a sugarcane-laden tractor on Friday night. Another biker, Yallappa Kamble, was seriously injured and remains under treatment. The Athani police station has filed a case.
- Near Kallolli village in Mudalagi taluk, Bhimashi Beeragoudra, 28, perished in a bike accident on Saturday. An accompanying rider was injured and is receiving medical care, with a case registered at Ghataprabha police station.
- Basappa Channappa Gugguri, 58, who was hospitalized with grave injuries from an accident in Kurani village under Yamakanamaradi police jurisdiction in Hukkeri taluk, passed away on Saturday.
- On the Nipani-Mudhol road, Annapa Basappa Majjagi, 35, from Itnal village in Chikodi taluk, died on Saturday evening after his motorcycle collided with a tractor parked obstructively on the roadway. Chikodi police have registered a case against Srimanth Yallappa Nandikurali from Itnal village for improper parking.
- In a separate incident on the Nipani-Chikodi road, Deepak Bhagwat Dayingade, 40, from Pattankudi village, was fatally struck by an unknown vehicle while repairing his tractor on Saturday evening. A case has been filed at Khadaklat police station.
- Laxman Yallappa Hamani, 45, of Sattigeri village, succumbed to injuries sustained in a bike accident on the Katakol-Yaragatti road near Yaragatti on Saturday. He died at Hubballi KIMS Hospital, with Murgod police station registering the case.
Community and Authorities Respond
These consecutive tragedies have highlighted urgent concerns regarding road safety and traffic management in Belagavi. The incidents span multiple taluks, including Nippani, Athani, Mudalagi, Hukkeri, Chikodi, and others, indicating a widespread issue. Local communities are in mourning as families grapple with sudden losses, while law enforcement agencies are actively investigating each case to determine causes and potential negligence.
The series of accidents underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures on highways, stricter enforcement of traffic rules, and public awareness campaigns to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
