
A devastating road accident in the early hours of Saturday (November 29) near Kotekal in Yemmiganur mandal claimed the lives of five members of a family from Karnataka’s Kolar district. The tragic incident occurred when their car collided head-on with an SUV, resulting in a deadly impact that sent shockwaves across the region.
Victims Were Travelling to Mantralayam Temple
The deceased were identified as:
- Venkatesh (76)
- Satish (34)
- Meenakshi (32)
- Banith (5)
- Ruthvik (4)
All belonged to Chikkahosahalli in Kolar district. The family was on a pilgrimage to the revered Lord Raghavendra Swamy Temple at Mantralayam when tragedy struck.
According to police, the car rammed an oncoming SUV at high speed. The force of the collision was so severe that the car somersaulted off the road and landed several metres away, killing five occupants instantly.
Two Survivors in Critical Condition
The driver, Chetan, and an elderly woman, Gangamma, sustained critical injuries. Both were rushed to the Government Area Hospital in Adoni for emergency treatment.
SUV Occupants Survive Due to Airbags
The SUV, carrying three passengers from Hyderabad and heading to Adoni for a marriage reception, narrowly escaped a bigger tragedy. Timely deployment of airbags protected the occupants from serious injuries.
They immediately alerted authorities and played a crucial role in rescuing the survivors trapped inside the mangled car.
Police and Officials Respond
The bodies of the deceased were shifted to the area hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and directed officials to provide immediate and high-quality medical care to the injured.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy instructed police and transport officials to submit a detailed report on the incident. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of road safety norms and urged motorists to avoid rash driving, which continues to be a leading cause of deadly accidents across the state.
Investigation Underway
The Yemmiganur police have registered a case and launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision, including potential overspeeding or driver fatigue in the pre-dawn hours.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-speed driving and the critical importance of adhering to road safety guidelines.



