Bus from Kozhikode to Bengaluru Crashes on Highway, Killing Four, Injuring Two

Four Keralites died and two others were injured when a private bus traveling from Kozhikode to Bengaluru crashed into an iron barricade on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway near Sankalagere, Channapatna, in the early hours of Monday. Police said the bus jumped the median before colliding with the barricade.

The deceased were identified as Zakir Hussain, 27, from Kappad in Kozhikode; Mohammed Farhan, 22, from Koyilandy; Rasheed, 45, a native of Mahe; and Adithya Suresh, 22, from Azhiyur, Mahe. All four died on the spot, authorities confirmed. Two other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The bus, an AC sleeper operated by PK Travels, departed Kozhikode around 8 pm on Saturday and was carrying 36 passengers and seven staff members, many returning to Bengaluru after Ugadi and Eid holidays. Police suspect the driver dozed off behind the wheel, leading to the accident around 4:30 am. While the driver initially claimed he swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, CCTV footage later confirmed fatigue as the primary cause. The Channapatna traffic police have registered a case and taken the driver into custody.

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The bus was removed from the site using a crane, and senior police officials, including the SP, visited the location. The bodies have been shifted to Channapatna Government Hospital and will be handed over to families after post-mortem procedures.

Zakir Hussain is survived by his wife, Nubiya, and their two-month-old daughter, Riyana Fathima. He worked at an electric scooter company in Bengaluru, and his funeral was held at Kappad Juma Masjid burial ground on Monday. Mohammed Farhan, a student pursuing an aviation course in Bengaluru, was the son of Aslam and Sauda, based in Oman. His burial took place at Purakkattiri following rites at Koyilandy Juma Masjid. Rasheed worked at a tea shop on JC Road in Bengaluru, and Adithya Suresh’s last rites were performed at Azhiyur Juma Masjid cemetery.

A Bengaluru-based organization has launched a helpline to assist the victims’ families and provide support during this difficult time. Authorities have urged drivers to take precautions and avoid fatigue while driving, particularly on long interstate routes.

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