Two people were killed and 25 injured after a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus bound for Bengaluru toppled after ramming into a signboard on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway near Avaragere Gate in Bengaluru South district on Saturday (August 8, 2026).

The deceased have been identified as Mithan and Arun Kumar, the conductor and driver of the bus, respectively. Both were from Keralam and in their 40s. A senior officer from Bidadi told The Hindu that one of the 25 injured is in a critical condition after suffering severe head injuries.

According to the officer, the incident occurred around 6.30 a.m. when the bus veered to its left and crashed into a directional signboard before toppling. A passenger alerted the police, following which the Bidadi police, along with the fire department, launched a rescue operation.

“A few of the passengers had managed to step out, while a few others had to be rescued. Soon, they were sent to nearby hospitals,” the officer said, adding that many had suffered severe injuries to their hands, legs, and upper body but were out of danger.

The officer said the driver may have felt drowsy as the vehicle had veered too far to the side, indicating a loss of control. However, a detailed probe has been launched. The Bidadi police have registered an FIR under the BNS section dealing with death by negligence.

The bodies of the deceased have been kept at nearby hospitals, and their families have been informed. The bodies will be handed over to the families once they reach Bengaluru. The police said traffic on the stretch was briefly disrupted as remnants of the bus had fallen onto the road, creating a high probability of another accident. The debris was cleared soon and traffic movement was restored, the officer said.

Published - August 08, 2026 05:19 pm IST