Brake failure of KSRTC bus claims five lives, including a child, at Kerala border

Karnataka border witnessed a tragic road accident on Thursday morning when a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus lost control and rammed into a bus stand before colliding with an auto rickshaw. The mishap claimed five lives, including that of a young child, leaving the region in shock.

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The bus suddenly veered off the road near Talapadi

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, heading towards Mangaluru, suddenly veered off the road near Talapadi after what is suspected to be a brake failure. In its path, the vehicle first crashed into the bus shelter crowded with commuters and then struck an auto rickshaw parked nearby. The impact was so severe that both the rickshaw and portions of the bus stand were mangled beyond recognition.

Local residents and passersby rushed to the spot to rescue the injured, before emergency services and police teams arrived. Several others sustained serious injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals in Mangaluru for urgent treatment. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as some of the injured remain critical.

Traffic on the busy national highway was disrupted for several hours, with police personnel diverting vehicles to ease congestion.

Preliminary investigations point to mechanical failure, though officials said a detailed inquiry will determine whether negligence or poor maintenance played a role. The state transport department has ordered an immediate probe into the incident, while families of the victims await compensation and support from the authorities.