9 die, 22 injured as cab hits tree near Haveri

HAVERI: Nine passengers, including a woman, was killed and another 22 persons were injured when the maxi cab in which they were travelling in hit a roadside tree on Karjagi-Haveri Road, seven kilometre from Haveri, on Thursday evening. Superintendent of Police Dr Chetan Singh Rathor told Express that the driver of the cab which was heading towards Karjagi, lost control over the vehicle. Four people, including one woman, died on the spot while one succumbed at the district hospital.The cab driver’s hand was fractured.District Surgeon Dr SM Marekkanavar said that the ten seriously injured persons were shifted to Hubli KIMS hospital. Of these ten, latest reports say three had died.Mallikarjun of Karjagi village who was a passenger in the ill-fated van described the experience as a horrible one. Tension prevailed at the district hospital premises as around 500 people had gathered there. Police had a tough time in controlling the crowd. Durgappa Fakkirappa Korawar (65) and CMC waterman Joshi have been identified among the deceased.Condition of two injured passengers is still serious.