Did a Vehicle Collision Claim the Lives of Four Sabarimala Pilgrims in Karnataka?
Synopsis
A devastating road accident in Karnataka claims the lives of four pilgrims returning from Sabarimala, including a young girl. As investigations unfold, the community mourns the loss and honors their memory. This tragic event highlights the risks associated with pilgrimage travels.
Key Takeaways
Four pilgrims lost their lives in a tragic road accident.
The incident involved a vehicle colliding with a parked truck.
Seven others sustained injuries, with two in critical condition.
The group was returning from a pilgrimage to Sabarimala .
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) In a heart-wrenching incident, four pilgrims, including a young girl, tragically lost their lives while returning from Sabarimala in Kerala. The accident, which also left seven others injured, occurred near the Kora region adjacent to the Vasanthanarasapura Industrial Area in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, on Friday.
According to law enforcement, the accident transpired when the vehicle transporting the pilgrims collided with a parked truck.
The victims were identified as six-year-old Sakshi, 30-year-old Venkateshappa, 35-year-old Marathappa, and 40-year-old Gavisiddappa.
This unfortunate event occurred as the group was making their way back from the Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala. Those injured have been transported to a medical facility, with two individuals reported to be in critical condition. Initial investigations revealed that 11 pilgrims were aboard the cruiser.
The group had set off for Sabarimala on January 5. The devotees hailed from two nearby villages, with Sakshi, a Class 1 student, visiting Sabarimala for the second time.
The collision happened around 4:40 a.m., and all deceased were residents of Kukanuru in Koppal district.
The event falls under the jurisdiction of the Kora police station, and further inquiries are ongoing.
On November 24, 2025, another tragic incident claimed the lives of four Sabarimala pilgrims when their car, reportedly speeding, crashed into a flyover's side barrier and plunged into an underpass in Abbenahalli village, Kolar district.
According to police reports, the excessive speed was the cause of the vehicle's crash into the barrier. The force of the impact was so great that the car, along with its passengers, fell nearly 100 meters into the underpass, resulting in instant fatalities.
Earlier, on November 15, 2025, three pilgrims died and four others sustained severe injuries when their vehicle crashed at the BC Road Circle near Mangaluru city on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway during the early hours. The group was traveling from Peenya in Bengaluru to Udupi Sri Krishna Matha for a pilgrimage.
On March 1, 2025, five pilgrims en route to the Male Mahadeshwara temple in Chamarajanagara district were killed when their vehicle collided head-on with a truck. This accident took place in Chikkindumadi in Kollegal taluk, as the deceased were heading to the temple amidst grand celebrations for Maha Shivaratri.
Point of View
I find this incident deeply saddening. Pilgrimages are meant to be journeys of faith and devotion, yet this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that travelers face. Our hearts go out to the families affected, and we urge authorities to enhance road safety measures for pilgrims.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the accident?
The accident occurred when the vehicle carrying the pilgrims crashed into a parked truck.
How many people were injured?
Seven individuals were injured in the accident, with two reported in critical condition.
Where did the accident take place?
The accident happened near the Kora region in Tumakuru district, Karnataka.
Who were the victims?
The deceased included a six-year-old girl, Sakshi, and three adult men: Venkateshappa, Marathappa, and Gavisiddappa.
What were the victims doing?
The victims were returning from a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in Kerala.
