Bhatkal: A recreational trip turned tragic for a student during an educational excursion involving over 100 children. The heartbreaking incident occurred around 7:30 PM on Wednesday near Noor Mosque in Bhatkal, where a boy, who had stepped off the bus to attend to nature’s call, fell into an unsecured well and lost his life.

The deceased has been identified as Neerpada Durgappa Harijan (14), a Grade 8 student of the Government School Kaandla in Yelburga Taluk, Koppal District. The group of over 100 students from Grades 5 to 8 had been traveling in two buses on an educational trip. After visiting Jog Falls and Honnavar’s Hanging Bridge, the group was en route to the popular Kollur tourist destination when the tragedy struck.

According to a teacher accompanying the group, the bus conductor had stopped the vehicle near Noor Mosque for a break. Neerpada followed the conductor off the bus. Seeking privacy in the crowded area, he moved behind a nearby medical shop and accidentally fell into an unsecured old well.

Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the fire brigade promptly arrived at the scene to retrieve the boy’s body. Tragically, he was already deceased.

The body was taken to Bhatkal Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. Bhatkal Town Police also arrived to gather information and record statements regarding the incident.

The tragic news prompted Bhatkal Block Congress President Venkatesh Naik and other local leaders to rush to the hospital. They ensured accommodation arrangements for the remaining schoolchildren in Bhatkal, providing support during the ordeal.