At least 14 people were killed and 25 others injured in two separate accidents in Karnataka’s Karwar and Raichur districts on Wednesday. In the first incident, 10 people died and 15 were injured when a truck carrying vegetable vendors overturned on National Highway 63 in Yellapura, Karwar district. The victims, from Savanur village in Haveri, were on their way to a local market when the accident occurred due to a tyre burst and misty conditions. The injured were taken to Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi.

In a second incident, four people, including three students, died, and 10 others were injured when their vehicle overturned near Sindhanur, Raichur district. The students, from the Sanskrit Pathshala in Mantralaya, were traveling to Hampi for a religious event when the tyre of their vehicle burst.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu also shared her condolences on X, saying: “Saddened by the unfortunate loss of lives in a road accident in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. I express my condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed shock and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh for the next of kin of the victims. The police are investigating both incidents.

(With inputs from agencies)