Daijiworld Media Network - Chitradurga

Chitradurga, Mar 18: Thirteen persons including three children were killed in a ghastly serial accident at Molakalmuru here on Saturday March 18.

The accident took place after one of the tyres of a lorry burst.

As per media reports, the lorry laden with paddy was plying from Ballari to Challakere. When it reached Molakalmuru, one of its tyres burst, because of which the driver lost control of the lorry and it smashed into two auto rickshaws and a tempo traveller.

The impact was such that 11 people who were in the two auto rickshaws died on the spot. Two others who were seriously injured passed away sometime later in hospital.

Another 15 persons who were in the other two vehicles were injured. They have been admitted to VIMS hospital in Ballari.

The two persons who died in the hospital were identified as Shivaraj and Lingappa from Bevinahalli in Shahapura taluk of Yadagir.

It is said that all the 13 deceased were labourers. Among them were seven men, three women and three children, sources said. Their identities are not yet known.

The lorry driver fled from the spot soon after the accident.

The local police have registered a case.