President condoles loss of lives in a road accident in Karnataka

New Delhi, May 30 : President Pratibha Patil today condoled the loss of lives in a road accident in Karnataka's Hassan District. In a letter to Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Patil has conveyed her condolences to the next of kin of the deceased.

President Patil, who is at present on a holiday in Shimla, has also sent her prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

At least thirty-five people were killed and 40 others injured as the ill-fated truck in which they were returning from a wedding skidded off the road in Karnataka.

Some reports have put the death toll at forty while 60 others were injured.

Police said the truck was carrying more than 100 people including women and children, who were heading towards Agrahara village from Basavanakoppal to attend a post-marriage feast on Thursday.

Police quoting eyewitnesses said the driver applied brakes after the passengers had raised an alarm as they saw a live electric wire hanging on the road and while attempting to reverse the vehicle, the truck skidded off the tank bed and rolled into the ditch.

ANI