Kerala, 21 August (H.S): Two people were killed and 26 nursing students injured after a private bus overturned on National Highway 48 near Aimangala in Hiriyur taluk during the early hours of Friday.

The deceased were identified as Guruprasad, the driver of the bus, and Shankar, its cleaner. Both reportedly died at the scene after suffering severe injuries in the accident, which occurred at around 5.30 a.m.

The bus was carrying approximately 56 students from Universal Nursing College at Arekere in Bengaluru's Bannerghatta area. The students were returning to Bengaluru following a trip to Goa when the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle near Aimangala.

According to preliminary information, the bus veered off the highway, overturned and fell into a roadside drain. The impact left several passengers trapped or injured, prompting an immediate rescue operation involving local residents, police personnel and emergency workers.

The injured students were taken to hospitals in Chitradurga for treatment. While 26 students sustained injuries, the condition of most of them was reported to be stable. Authorities were monitoring those who suffered more serious injuries.

Senior police officials, including Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith Kumar Bandaru, visited the accident site and supervised the rescue and investigation. Police teams examined the overturned vehicle and the surrounding area to determine the exact sequence of events.

Initial findings indicated that negligence on the part of the driver may have caused the accident. Police suspect that he either lost concentration or failed to control the bus while travelling along the highway. However, officials said the precise cause would be established only after a detailed investigation.

The accident briefly affected traffic on the highway as emergency personnel carried out rescue operations and moved the damaged bus. Police have registered a case and are collecting statements from the students and other passengers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman