Sleeper bus rams timber-laden lorry in pre-dawn accident
Mysuru: Four persons were killed and 22 passengers were injured when a private sleeper coach bus travelling from Bengaluru to Kozhikode collided head-on with a timber-laden lorry near Kiranahalli Gate in Periyapatna taluk at around 3.30 am today.
The accident occurred on the Mysuru-Periyapatna stretch near Anechowkur when the bus (KA-01-AU-2253) operated by Cauvery Travels and carrying more than 33 passengers rammed into the lorry on a rain-soaked road. The impact left the front portion of the bus mangled.
The deceased have been identified as bus driver Sunil (26), a resident of Yeraganahalli in Mysuru; bus cleaner Sagesh (36) of Mankavu village in Kozhikode; Aftab of Beypore village; and Suhel of Kozhikode.
According to preliminary information, a fallen tree on the wet road forced the lorry driver to slow down and manoeuvre the vehicle towards the side. The bus, reportedly approaching from the opposite direction at high speed, then collided with the lorry.
Of the injured passengers, those with minor injuries were treated at Periyapatna Government Hospital, while the seriously injured were shifted to hospitals in Mysuru.
More than 17 injured passengers were admitted to DRM Hospital in Mysuru. While 10 of them sustained minor injuries and were being discharged, four reportedly suffered spinal cord injuries. Other injured passengers were admitted to Manipal Hospital, Narayana Hrudayalaya and the Trauma Care Centre.
According to Periyapatna Police and fellow passengers, the bus had taken an alternative route via Periyapatna and Anechowkur towards Kozhikode due to roadworks and speed breakers on the main Mysuru-Gonikoppa route.
Passengers travelling in sleeper coaches had reportedly complained that road humps caused the bus to shake, making it difficult for them to sleep. This is said to have prompted the driver to take the alternative route.
SP visits accident spot
District Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi visited the accident spot this morning, inspected the scene and reviewed the situation. He also issued instructions to officials on further action.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, the SP said the accident occurred at around 3.30 am amid rain and slippery road conditions. Four persons died on the spot, while 22 passengers were injured, eight of them reportedly in critical condition.
“Preliminary reports suggest negligence by the lorry driver, who swerved to the right, leading to the collision. Further investigation is on,” he said.
This post was published on October 16, 2026 7:30 pm