Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, narrowly escaped a life-threatening car crash near Belagavi on January 13. The incident occurred while she was returning from a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru.
Around 5 AM on the Kittur highway, the minister’s vehicle swerved to avoid a dog crossing the road, leading to a collision with a tree. The front of the Toyota Innova Hycross was extensively damaged in the crash. However, the timely deployment of airbags saved the minister from fatal injuries.
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Hebbalkar, along with her brother, MLC Channraj Hattiholi, and other staff, was traveling in the car. The minister sustained injuries to her face and back, while Hattiholi also suffered facial injuries. Both were immediately admitted to Vijaya Hospital, where orthopedic specialist Dr. Ravi Patil is providing treatment.
The driver and security personnel, who also sustained minor injuries, were given first aid and discharged. Doctors have confirmed that Hebbalkar is expected to be discharged in two days.
#WATCH | Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar brought to a private hospital after meeting with an accident near Belagavi. According to her son, she has sustained minor injuries on her back and face. pic.twitter.com/3XxeqnVzMa
— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025
SP Dr. Bhimashankar Guleed visited the accident site to assess the situation, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara contacted Hebbalkar’s family to inquire about her health. Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.