Project Chintan

Two dead, 26 students injured as bus overturns in Hiriyur

A private bus carrying about 56 nursing college students overturned on NH 48 near Aimangala in Hiriyur taluk, killing two and injuring 26. Police say the driver may have lost control, and the injured were taken to Chitradurga for treatment.

· 2 min read
Updated

Key takeaways

  • A private bus overturned on NH 48 near Aimangala in Hiriyur taluk, causing two deaths and multiple injuries.
  • The bus was carrying around 56 nursing college students returning from a Goa trip to Bengaluru.
  • Police officials, including the district SP, visited the scene and police suspect negligence by the driver.

What Happened

The incident occurred in the early hours on National Highway 48 near Aimangala in Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district. A private bus toppled and fell into a roadside drain after reportedly losing control. Two people died at the scene, identified as the driver and the cleaner, Guruprasad and Shankar, respectively. About 26 students were injured and the bus was carrying roughly 56 students from Universal Nursing College, Arekere, Bannerghatta, who were returning to Bengaluru after a trip to Goa. The injured were transported to a medical facility in Chitradurga. Senior police officials, including the district SP, visited the site to oversee the response.

Why It Matters

The crash highlights roadside transport safety concerns and the vulnerability of student groups traveling together for field trips. Authorities have indicated negligence as a possible factor in the loss of control, which may influence ongoing investigations and future safety measures for private transport providers in the region.

Background

The passengers were students from a Bengaluru college on a return trip after a Goa excursion. The accident occurred in Hiriyur taluk, with authorities reporting that the bus toppled into a roadside drain after losing control.

Key Facts

  • Location: NH 48 near Aimangala, Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district
  • Time: Early hours of August 21, 2026; around 5:30 a.m.
  • Casualties: 2 dead (driver and cleaner)
  • Injuries: 26 students injured
  • Bus passengers: About 56 students from Universal Nursing College, Arekere, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru
  • Response: Injured transported to Chitradurga; senior police officers, including SP Ranjith Kumar Bandaru, visited the site
  • Possible cause: Police suspect driver negligence leading to loss of control

What Happens Next

Authorities indicated an investigation into the cause of the accident, with the driver suspected of negligence. The inquiry will likely assess factors contributing to the loss of control and safety practices of private transport providers in the area.

Sources reviewed

Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.

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