Mandya: A tractor carrying stones fell into a roadside ditch resulting in the death of three persons including the driver of the tractor at Neralekere village in Srirangapatna taluk yesterday.

The deceased have been identified as tractor driver Prasanna, Praveen (32), son of Nathegowda of Doddapalya village and Nikhil (34), son of Mattigowda of Hangarahalli village.

Yesterday afternoon, the tractor (KA-11 T-7833), after loading stones at a quarry in Hangarahalli village, was proceeding to Yachenahalli village. When the tractor was taking a turn on Mariyaiahana Lake bund, the tractor fell into a 20 ft. deep ditch as there was no retaining wall near the Lake turning, resulting in Prasanna, Praveen and Nikhil being killed on the spot.

The road on the Lake bund is very narrow and the villagers had requested the authorities concerned to repair and widen the road which fell on deaf ears. The villagers have alleged that the negligent attitude of the officials resulted in the death of three persons.

Taluk Panchayat Member N.P. Suresh visited the spot. Arakere Police have registered a case in this regard.