BELAGAVI: Three devotees were killed and more than 10 others injured after a truck allegedly rammed into a religious procession carrying an idol of Goddess Durga Mata near the Hattaragi toll plaza in Hukkeri taluk on Sunday morning.According to preliminary information, the devotees from Hunchyanatti village were returning after bringing the idol from Belagavi when the accident occurred.The truck, which was reportedly travelling behind the procession, crashed into the group, triggering panic and leaving several people injured.The deceased have been identified as Prakash, Mahesh and Daneshwari. Four of the injured are said to be in critical condition.The injured were shifted to the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital and nearby private hospitals for treatment. The identities of some of the injured are yet to be ascertained.Police reached the spot and launched rescue operations. A case has been registered at the Yamakanmardi police station, and an investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the accident.The incident has shocked residents across the district and cast a shadow over the religious celebrations.It has also renewed concerns over the safety of processions held on busy highways and major roads.
