Ankola: A terrifying road accident occurred on Saturday evening near Waddi Ghat in Ankola taluk, when a passenger-laden bus lost control on a sharp bend and plunged into a deep gorge, injuring 49 people including the driver and conductor. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Sources said that due to ongoing road repair work on the Kumta–Sirsi route, the bus was being diverted via the challenging Waddi Ghat road. However, the driver lost control at a narrow bend, causing the bus to overturn three times before falling into the gorge.
Immediately after the accident, local residents launched rescue efforts, pulling the injured passengers out of the bus and transporting them to the nearby road. They were then shifted to hospitals in Ankola and Kumta using private vehicles. According to police, all passengers sustained minor injuries, and there was no threat to anyone’s life.
Reports confirmed that the bus was travelling from Bellari to Kumta at the time of the incident.
Upon receiving information, Ankola police and transport department officials reached the site, assessed the situation, and provided necessary assistance to the passengers. A case has been registered at Ankola Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.