As many as five people, including four women, were killed and more than 10 others sustained serious injuries in a road accident on National Highway 44 near Gangotri Petrol Bunk on the outskirts of Bagepalli town in Chickballapur district on Sunday.

The incident occurred when the victims were returning home in an autorickshaw after completing their day’s work. They were daily-wage labourers.

According to the police, the accident involved an SUV, an autorickshaw and a canter.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the SUV allegedly travelling at high speed, rammed the autorickshaw from behind. The impact caused the autorickshaw to lose control and crash into a canter moving ahead, triggering a devastating collision.

The force of the crash completely crushed the autorickshaw, killing five occupants on the spot. The victims have been identified as Umadevi, 55, Vijaya, 40, Lakshmamma, 50, Sarojamma and autorickshaw driver Anjinappa, 35. All were residents of Bagepalli town.

More than 10 others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Superintendent of Police of Chickballapur Kushal Chowksey visited the spot and reviewed the situation. The police conducted an inspection.

A case has been registered at the Bagepalli Police Station, and authorities are investigating the exact circumstances that led to the fatal accident.