At least 22 labourers were killed early on Saturday when a goods vehicle they were travelling in toppled at a cross on the state highway in Karnataka's Belgaum district, police said.
"The accident took place around 5.30am when the goods vehicle overturned after its driver lost control and hit a roadside kerb at Halki Cross while going to Savadatti in Maharashtra from Yadgir district," police inspector DS Gudanavvar said.
Halki Cross is near Savadatti Taluk in Belgaum is around 500km from the state capital Bangalore, while Savadatti is situated on Karnataka-Maharashtra border.
"The passengers were mostly labourers going to Savadatti for work on daily wages from Surupur in Yadgir," Gudanavvar said.
He said there were seven women and six children among those who died.
He also said that around 50 people were travelling in the truck and at least 30 people sustained injuries.
Those who were injured have been taken to a state-run hospital at Murgod, 5km from the accident spot.
Police have booked a case against the owner of the truck for overloading the vehicle and also for negligent driving.
{{/usCountry}}Police have booked a case against the owner of the truck for overloading the vehicle and also for negligent driving.
{{/usCountry}}State minister Prakash Hukkeri visited the spot and asked the police to conduct a detailed investigation.
He also announced a compensation of Rs. 1 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives.
(With inputs from agencies)
Map of the site where the accident took place