A dawn drive back from a coastal getaway ended in horror on NH 48 near Tumakuru when a speeding car hit a stationary truck. Three lives were lost instantly, others battled for survival- what went wrong on the highway is now under scrutiny.
Three dead as car rams into parked truck near Tumakuru district
Tumakuru: At least three people were killed and three others injured after a car rammed into a stationary truck on National Highway 48 near Nelahal village in Tumakuru district early Monday morning, January 26. The victims were travelling from coastal Karnataka back to Bengaluru when the fatal crash occurred, police said.
The accident once again brings into focus the risks associated with high-speed travel and fatigue during long-distance holiday returns on busy highways.
The group of six, all residents of Bengaluru, were travelling in a Maruti Ertiga after spending the weekend at popular tourist destinations including Gokarna, Murudeshwar and Udupi. As they approached Nelahal on NH 48 in the early hours of the morning, their vehicle crashed into a truck that was reportedly parked on the roadside.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the car mangled beyond recognition. Three occupants died on the spot due to the force of the crash, while the remaining three sustained injuries of varying severity.
Local residents and highway patrol teams rushed to the scene after hearing the impact. Rescue personnel had to extricate the trapped passengers from the wreckage before shifting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Police said one of the survivors is in critical condition, while the other two suffered relatively minor injuries and are undergoing treatment. Doctors are closely monitoring the condition of the critically injured victim.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene on the highway, with traffic disrupted for several hours as emergency services worked to clear the debris and restore movement.
Tumakuru Superintendent of Police KV Ashok arrived at the accident site along with senior officers to supervise the investigation and relief operations. A detailed inspection of the crash site and the damaged vehicles was carried out.
Preliminary findings suggest that driver fatigue or overspeeding may have contributed to the accident. However, police said they are also examining whether the truck was improperly parked without adequate warning signs, as well as checking road conditions and vehicle compliance.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while driving on national highways, especially during early morning hours following long journeys. The tragic incident highlights the importance of rest breaks, adherence to speed limits, and proper safety measures for stationary vehicles on highways.
Further investigation is ongoing, and police are expected to register a case after completing preliminary inquiries.
