Nanjangud: Eighteen sheep were killed on the spot while 40 sheep and a shepherd were seriously injured when a speeding tipper vehicle ploughed into the flock near Indiranagar on Hediyala-Begur Main Road yesterday.

The flock belonged to Murali of Hiriyur in Chitradurga district and the three shepherds used to move to flock from one place to another in search of grass for the sheep to graze.

Yesterday morning, the shepherds were taking the flock for grazing during which the speeding M-Sand laden tipper, which was coming from Gundlupet side towards Hediyala, ploughed into the flock of sheep killing 18 sheep and leaving 40 of them critically injured.

One of the shepherds Bommanna, who was taking the flock for grazing sustained serious injuries, was rushed to Nanjangud Government Hospital. After Bommanna was given first-aid, at Nanjangud Government Hospital, he was shifted to K.R. Hospital in Mysuru on the advice of doctors for further treatment.

Soon after committing the accident, the tipper driver fled from the spot. The public have complained that rash and negligent driving by the tipper diver caused the accident. Hullahalli Police, who have registered a case, are investigating.