According to the local Superintendent of Police, Gopal Hosur, the bus was packed with devotees returning to Davanagere after attending a temple fair at Uchchingidurga.

The Mahadeva Express bus is now reportedly some four-feet under water in the Arashina Honda pond, which is said to be around 150 feet deep at some places. The tragedy occurred at around 2.30 pm when the driver, who was trying to reverse the bus, lost control, the police said.