Mandya: A Canter, which was ferrying a marriage party last night, crashed into a roadside tree between Machalli and Shettahalli villages near Maddur, killing 13 persons and leaving more than 20 persons injured.

Among the 13 persons who were killed are Shivanna (45), Sona (5), Renukamma (40), Meenakshi (37), Jayamma (51), Sannamma (60), Kariyappa, Beeramma, Pooja, Madamma and Parvathamma, residents of Yadanahalli and Avasaradahalli villages.

It is alleged that the driver of the Canter vehicle was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Yesterday at about 7 pm, the marriage party was said to be proceeding to attend a marriage ceremony at Maddur in a Canter vehicle (KA-11 3862) when the driver of the Canter lost control of the vehicle near Machalli Toreshettahalli turning.

As a result, the vehicle crashed into a roadside tree killing Jayamma, Beeramma, Pooja, Parvathamma and Madamma along with five others on the spot besides leaving others seriously injured.Meanwhile, one Lakshman, who was passing by, saw the mishap and informed the Police besides informing the local residents.

Kesthur Police, who rushed to the spot, with the help of the public, shifted the injured to a hospital and following the advice of the doctors, the Police, shifted the injured to Mandya General Hospital, NIMHANS in Bengaluru and to various hospitals in Mysuru. The bodies of the deceased were shifted to Maddur General  Hospital mortuary.

Alleging that the accident took place due to the negligence of the driver who was said to be under the influence of alcohol, the Police have lodged a hunt to nab the driver who fled from the spot leaving the    vehicle behind.

SP G. Radhika and other senior Police officials visited the spot. Kesthur Police have registered a case in this regard.

Ambulance fails to start to shift the injured: Meanwhile, the ambulance which was stationed at the hospital failed to start to shift the injured from Maddur General Hospital to Mandya General Hospital causing tension and finally the public had to push start the    ambulance.

After complaints that Maddur Hospital lacks facilities, Health Minister Ramesh Kumar, who had visited the hospital recently, assured of providing all facilities to the hospital. The incident of the ambulance not starting, resulting in loss of precious time, irked the public.

CM announces compensation: Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, this morning, announced compensation to the families of those killed  in the accident.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Chief Minister announced a compensation of  Rs. 1 lakh each to the families of those killed and free treatment to the injured.

Mandya District Minister visits hospital

Mandya District Minister M. Krishnappa visited hospital in Maddur and enquired the health of the injured.