Mysuru Bus Accident Kills Four, Injures 31 in Head-On Lorry Collision

Four people were killed and several others injured after a private air-conditioned sleeper bus travelling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode collided head-on with a timber-laden lorry near Kiranahalli Gate in Periyapatna taluk of Karnataka’s Mysuru district in the early hours of October 16. The accident occurred between 3.30 am and 4.30 am, according to different reports, severely damaging both vehicles and triggering an emergency rescue operation.

The deceased were identified in initial reports as bus driver Sunil, cleaner Sagesh (Sajesh) and passenger Aftab, a resident of Kozhikode, Kerala. The fourth victim was initially unidentified, while subsequent reports identified the person as Suhel, also from Kozhikode. Two victims reportedly died at the scene and two were declared brought dead at a hospital, although accounts differed on this detail.

The casualty figures also varied across reports. 31 people were injured, including three seriously injured passengers, according to the initial PTI report. Other reports put the number at 14, 22 or more than 30, with some indicating that eight passengers were in critical condition. The final casualty count requires official confirmation.

The injured were initially taken to the Government Public Hospital in Periyapatna before some were referred to hospitals in Hunsur and Mysuru, including KR Hospital, DRM Hospital, Manipal Hospital, Narayana Hrudayalaya and the Trauma Care Centre. Reports mentioned spinal, limb and other injuries. More than 17 passengers were reportedly admitted to DRM Hospital, with some patients suffering minor injuries being discharged. An updated hospital-wise medical bulletin was not available.

Rescuers, police personnel and local residents worked to evacuate passengers trapped inside the badly mangled bus, using its emergency exit. Rain and a fallen tree have emerged as possible factors. Preliminary reports suggest the lorry driver swerved to avoid the obstruction and entered the bus’s path. Alleged speeding and slippery road conditions are also under examination.

Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi reportedly inspected the scene, while Hunsur Sub-Division Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi also visited. A case was reported at Periyapatna police station, and investigators are examining vehicle movements, road conditions and witness accounts.

Reports also suggested that the bus took an alternative route through Periyapatna and Anechowkur because of roadworks and speed breakers on the Mysuru–Gonikoppa route. This detail remains unverified. Police have yet to establish a final cause or assign responsibility. Authorities must also clarify the casualty count, patients’ conditions and communication with victims’ families.