Friday, June 17 2005 16:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mysore: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and five other Ministers had a providential escape in a major mishap when a crane carrying them narrowly missed a live high-tension wire at Mysore today (Jun 17, 2005).

Siddaramaiah, Ministers, H D Revanna, H C Mahadevappa, H C Cheluvaraya Swamy, D T Jayakumar, H S Mahadeva Prasad and Tanvir Sait were atop the crane to inaugurate the Mysore-Bantwal road widening work at Ethwal, on the city outskirts, reports reaching in Mysore said.

When Siddaramaiah pressed the button of the crane to mark commencement of the work, it moved directionless, resulting in grievous injuries to three persons and moved towards a live high-tension wire before coming to a halt.

Some lensmen who were there on the spot including a Doordarshan cameraman also received minor injuries, reports said.

The injured have been rushed to a hospital.

The incident triggered off panic among the gathering, who ran helter and skelter adding to the confusion.

A major tragedy was averted when the crane came to a halt after hitting a pole.

Only last week Siddaramaiah had a miraculous escape when the car in which he was travelling was hit by a tanker at Mandya.