Driver dies after private bus plunges into Addahole river in Kadaba

Mangalore Today News Network

Kadaban Oct 13, 2024: A tragic accident occurred on Friday night when the driver of a private bus lost his life after the vehicle fell into the Addahole river near the Mangaluru-Bengaluru National Highway at Lavathadka, within the Kadaba police jurisdiction in Dakshina Kannada district.

The deceased, identified as 28-year-old Bharath, was driving the bus, which was en route from Bengaluru to Kukke Subrahmanya via Shivamogga and Gokarna.

According to the Kadaba police, Bharath and his co-driver had dropped off passengers in Gokarna on Thursday. On Friday, they were making their way to Kukke Subrahmanya. The co-driver initially drove the bus until Udupi, after which Bharath took over the journey towards Kukke Subrahmanya.

At around midnight, Bharath reportedly lost control of the bus, which struck an electricity pole before plunging into the river. The impact caused a power outage, prompting local residents to report the disruption to Mescom (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company). While investigating the power failure, Mescom personnel discovered the bus and alerted the authorities.

Police arrived at the scene around 2 a.m. on Saturday and recovered Bharath’s body from the river. The co-driver, however, escaped without injury, officials confirmed.