On 20 October 2026 Devotees were making their way back to Hunchyanatti village after bringing a Durga Mata idol from Belagavi near the Hattaragi toll plaza. The procession was moving along the road near the Hattaragi toll plaza in Belagavi district. The participants were accompanying the idol.
As the procession continued, a truck approached from behind and struck the group. According to a senior police officer, "The devotees were returning to Hunchyanatti village after bringing the idol from Belagavi when the truck hit the procession from behind." The truck hit the procession from behind.
The toll of the crash was severe. Three devotees lost their lives in the incident. Ten devotees were injured, four of them critically. The injured were moved to hospitals for treatment.
Later on the same day, another accident unfolded on National Highway 48 near Sankeshwar, also within Hukkeri taluk.
The same senior officer later described the immediate response: "We are investigating the accident’s circumstances. Our personnel reached the spot and the injured were moved to hospitals for treatment." The officer said police were investigating and moved the injured to hospitals.
Later on the same day, another accident unfolded on National Highway 48 near Sankeshwar, also within Hukkeri taluk. A state transport bus collided with a tipper truck. The bus driver was killed in the crash, while twelve passengers sustained injuries.
The bus accident resulted in the death of the bus driver and injuries to twelve passengers.
Police officials reiterated that both incidents are under investigation. The Belagavi police are investigating both incidents.
Investigations continue.