K'taka: UKG girl dies, 2 injured after tree falls on school bus
Mangaluru, July 22
A five‑year‑old UKG student was killed, and two other children were injured on Wednesday evening when a huge tree, uprooted by heavy rain and strong winds, crashed onto a moving school bus near Kalletti Daivasthana close to Barimaru in Bantwal in Mangaluru district of coastal Karnataka.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara expressed shock over the incident and said the government stands with the affected families. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased child.
The deceased has been identified as five‑year‑old Chiranvi, daughter of Chandrashekhar from Perne.
According to officials, the bus belonged to Sri Rama Vidya Kendra, Kalladka, and was ferrying children home. It was travelling from Mani through Baranikere, Barimaru and Kalletti, on its way to Perne via Budoli, when the roadside tree suddenly gave way and fell on the vehicle.
Two other students were injured in the accident. Anvi, daughter of Ganesh Gowda and a resident of Peraje Sadikukku, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital in Mangaluru, where she is under specialist care. Kshithi Rai from Perne is receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kalladka.
The falling tree also struck the nearby Kalletti temple, damaging the structure. The impact cut power supply and blocked vehicular movement in the area for several hours.
Parameshwara said he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident in Bantwal, where a tree fell on a school bus during rains, claiming the life of young Chiranvi and leaving a couple of other children injured."
He added that he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner and directed the district administration to ensure appropriate compensation to the bereaved family and provide the best possible treatment to the injured children. He also said he had spoken to District In‑charge Minister J&K L‑G Khader and requested him to personally oversee the relief and support measures.
"My heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. I pray that the injured children recover swiftly and completely. In this hour of grief, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with the affected families," Parameshwara stated.
The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over Perne and surrounding villages. In the aftermath, the public has urged authorities to prioritise the identification and removal of dangerous roadside trees to prevent similar accidents during the monsoon season.
Police and revenue officials visited the spot and have begun an inquiry into the incident.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a mother, this is every parent's worst nightmare. Sending kids to school should never feel like a risk. My heart goes out to Chiranvi's family and prayers for Anvi and Kshithi's recovery. The government must ensure all roadside trees near schools and bus routes are inspected before monsoon.
Very sad incident. But let's also think practically - we can't cut every tree near roads. The real issue is climate change causing erratic weather. Stronger winds and heavier rains are becoming common. Need better disaster preparedness and early warning systems for schools in coastal areas.
Sincere condolences to the family. However, I must ask - how many such tragedies need to happen before preventive action is taken? Regular tree health checks, trimming dead branches, and having emergency protocols for buses during storms are basic measures. Hope the inquiry leads to real change, not just a report.
Shocking to hear about the temple being damaged too. This is a reminder for all of us in coastal Karnataka to stay vigilant during monsoon. Schools should have weather alerts and maybe a system to delay buses if conditions worsen. RIP little Chiranvi. 🕊️
In Karnataka's coastal region, such incidents are not new. every year we see trees falling on houses and vehicles. The district administration should map all dangerous trees along school bus routes and remove them before monsoon. Compensation alone cannot bring back a child's life.
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