Kollegal: Four of a family including two children were killed when a paddy harvester hit the bike on Jinakanahalli village road in the taluk on Sankranti festival day.

The deceased have been identified as Santosh (32), his wife Sowmya (27), son Abhi (9) and daughter Nityasakshi (4), residents of Palya village  in the taluk.

On Monday, the family, after visiting a temple, were proceeding on their bike from Palya village to Kollegal town to purchase clothes. When they were proceeding on Jinakanahalli Road, the paddy harvester, which came from the opposite direction, hit the bike and dragged the bike and the family members for about 40 metres. A few passersby, who noticed the harvester dragging the bike and the family members, shouted at the driver, who stopped the vehicle and fled from the spot.

While Santosh, Sowmya and Nityasakshi died on the spot, Abhi, who had sustained serious injuries, was being shifted to a hospital when he breathed his last midway. As the harvester dragged the bike occupants for about 40 metres, the bodies were found on the roadside.

Dy.SP Somegowda, Circle Inspector Krishnappa, Rural SI Ganesh and staff, who rushed to the spot, conducted an inspection. A case has been registered at Kollegal Rural Police Station.