Mananthavady: Two persons from Kerala were killed and around 14 others injured when a private bus from Kozhikode collided with a cement-laden truck at Hunsur, near Mysuru, in the early hours of Friday.

The deceased were identified as the bus driver Shamsudheen (36), son of Ahammed of Pittu House, Palamukku, near Mananthavady, and co-driver Priyesh, a native of Malaparamba, Kozhikode.

The accident occurred near Jadaganakoppalu on the Mysuru–Hunsur stretch. The bus, owned by DLT Travels, was on its way to Bengaluru from Kozhikode, while the truck was heading towards Hunsur from Mysuru. Around 14 passengers sustained injuries and were admitted to nearby hospitals and KR Hospital in Mysuru.

Preliminary reports suggest the mishap happened when the truck swerved to avoid a fallen tree on the road. Poor visibility due to early morning mist may have prevented the bus driver from spotting the oncoming vehicle in time.

A case has been registered at Bilikere Police Station, Karnataka, and an investigation is underway.

Shamsudheen is survived by his father Ahammed, mother Mariyam, wife Umaiba, children Aman Siyan and Arba Sainaba, and siblings Shafi, Shamseera, and Shahira.