At least seven people were killed in three separate road accidents across Karnataka during Ganesh festival celebrations, with incidents reported in Mandya, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi districts between Monday night and Tuesday morning. The tragedies unfolded as families were returning home after the festivities, cutting short what were meant to be joyous occasions.

Mandya: Family of Three Mowed Down by Tanker

The most harrowing of the three incidents occurred in Mandya, where a couple and their daughter were killed after a tanker allegedly ran over their scooter at around 4:15 am on Tuesday. The deceased have been identified as Mutturaj, his wife Kavya, and their daughter Keerthana.

According to police, Mutturaj, who was employed at a factory in Bengaluru's Peenya area, had travelled with his family to his mother-in-law's house to take part in the Ganesh celebrations. The family was on their way back to Bengaluru when the accident occurred. Police say the tanker allegedly came from behind, struck the scooter, and dragged it for some distance — a sequence reportedly corroborated by CCTV footage obtained by investigators.

Authorities suspect rash and negligent driving by the tanker driver, who fled the scene after the collision. A search has been launched to trace him. Another daughter of the couple sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital. The bodies have been shifted to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS), and the family has indicated that the final rites will be held at Kootaganahalli in Kanakapura.

Kalaburagi: Two-Wheeler Collision Near Hirapura Road Flyover

In Kalaburagi, one person was killed and another left critically injured when two motorcycles collided near the Hirapura Road Flyover in the city. The deceased has been identified as Prashanth Biradar, who was reportedly on his way to bring a Ganesha idol when the accident occurred.

According to police, Prashanth's motorcycle came into contact with another two-wheeler, causing both riders to fall and sustain serious head injuries. Prashanth later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, while the second rider remains under treatment.

Belagavi: Three Die After KSRTC Bus Hits Motorcycle Near Savadatti

In Belagavi, three young men were killed late on Monday night when a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus allegedly collided head-on with their motorcycle on the outskirts of Savadatti town. The deceased have been identified as Vinod Hogennavar, 22, Akash, 20, and Ravi Kurubara.

The three had travelled from Dharwad to witness a Ganesh procession and were returning toward Savadatti when the bus, coming from the opposite direction, allegedly struck their motorcycle. All three died on the spot. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Investigations Under Way Across Three Districts

Police in all three districts — Mandya, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi — have taken up separate investigations into the respective accidents. The incidents have drawn attention to road safety risks during festive seasons, when late-night travel on state and district highways rises sharply. This is not the first time Karnataka has recorded a spike in road fatalities coinciding with major festivals; authorities had previously issued advisories urging caution during Ganesh Chaturthi travel.

As families grieve and investigations proceed, the incidents are likely to renew calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules during festival periods, particularly on stretches known for high-speed and poorly lit road conditions.