Sabarimala Pilgrims Tragedy: 4 Dead Including Child in Pre-Dawn Crash Near Tumakuru
Four Sabarimala pilgrims, including a 6-year-old girl, killed in truck collision near Tumakuru after their pilgrimage.
At least four Sabarimala pilgrims lost their lives in a devastating road accident in the early hours of Friday near Tumakuru, Karnataka. The incident occurred around 4:40 am near the Vasanthanarasapura Industrial Area when a cruiser carrying 11 devotees collided with a parked truck while returning from the revered Sabarimala shrine in Kerala.
The deceased have been identified as six-year-old Sakshi, a Class 1 student, along with Venkateshappa (30), Marathappa (35), and Gavisiddappa (40). All were residents of Kukanuru village in Koppal district. Sakshi was reportedly on her second pilgrimage to Sabarimala, highlighting the deep devotion that brought families together for the journey.
Seven other pilgrims sustained injuries in the collision and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical officials stated that while most victims are stable, at least two remain in critical condition, prompting concerns over the seriousness of their injuries.
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The group had begun their pilgrimage on January 5, with devotees joining from two neighboring villages. What was meant to be a spiritually fulfilling journey ended in heartbreak for families back home, who were expecting the safe return of their loved ones.
This accident adds to a troubling pattern of road mishaps involving pilgrims in the region. In November 2025, four friends traveling to Sabarimala were killed after their car plunged off a flyover in Kolar. Earlier, in March 2025, five devotees died in a head-on collision while traveling to the Male Mahadeshwara temple during Maha Shivaratri celebrations.
Local police in Kora have launched an investigation into the incident and are examining factors such as low visibility and possible driver fatigue. The tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures during peak pilgrimage seasons, when long-distance travel significantly increases risks for devotees.
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