8-Year-Old Killed, 16 Injured in Hubballi Bus Accident

An eight-year-old girl was killed and 16 others were injured early Thursday when a private bus lost control and veered into a roadside field near Hubballi in Karnataka, according to Press Trust of India (PTI) citing police. The bus, which was traveling from Mumbai to Bengaluru, was carrying 26 passengers at the time of the incident.

The accident occurred around 3 am, shortly after the bus crossed Chabbi Cross. Police stated that the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to leave the road and enter a field. The driver, who was among those injured, had his leg trapped inside the bus and was in severe pain while attempting to free himself, police reported.

Rescue operations involved police personnel and staff from fire and emergency services working to extricate the driver. Superintendent of Police (SP) Gunjan Arya visited KIMS Hospital in Hubballi to check on the condition of the injured. SP Arya later informed the media that the accident happened near Chabbi Bridge and was allegedly caused by overspeeding, stating the bus reportedly bounced while traveling at high speed.

SP Arya confirmed the death of the eight-year-old girl and that 16 people were receiving treatment. KIMS Hospital Medical Superintendent Ishwar Hasabi told PTI that the girl suffered a severe head injury and was declared dead upon arrival. Hasabi added that some passengers with minor injuries were discharged after first aid, while others continued to receive medical care for more serious injuries.

What to watch: The ongoing investigation into the bus driver's alleged overspeeding.

Editor's note: The draft accurately captures the key details of the accident, including the cause, casualty figures, and the rescue operation, adhering closely to the provided text.