Manipal : The funeral of Calista, Clarissa, Alvita, Ancita and Delwin will be held on Thursday at 11 am at Gangolli Church, while that of Nikita, Ananya and Royston will be held at 4 pm at Tallur Church. The bodies of Calista, Clarissa, Alvita, Ancita and Delwin were taken to their houses from the mortuary on Wednesday evening. The bodies of Nikita, Ananya and Royston would be taken on Thursday morning.

Minister for Fisheries, Sports and Youth Services Pramodh Madhwaraj who visted KMC, Manipal, on Wednesday termed the tragedy a big disaster and said it was the first of its kind in the district.

six children who are undergoing treatment in paediatric ICU, he said he has discussed the incident with the Chief minister. He said he would talk to the DC and the SP about the necessary action to be taken to prevent such tragedies again.

He said that it is disappointing that such incidents are taking place on national highways and it calls for immediate action. The public should join hands with the officials to prevent the accidents. Stringent action would be taken against the overspeeding vehicles. Youths should come forward to work for society and be part of the government set up to avoid mishaps, he added.

He said he would call a meeting of road safety committee shortly and discuss the actions to be taken.

Briefing over the compensation packages to the families which have lost their children, the minister said that he would hold talks with the chief minister and also look into the other similar accidents, wherein the government has awarded maximum compensation package.

“If need arises, I will call the meeting of the heads of the educational institutions. I will work towards finding a permanent solution. I will take all into the confidence and decide. I will look into the Transport Act regarding the age of bus and other issues and will also look into the rules and regulations thoroughly,” stated. Later, he visited the mortuary.

Madhwaraj visited the accident spot. It was filled with the tiffin boxes, water bottles and kerchiefs of the kids. He later visited the house of the grief-stricken families in Muwathmudi, Muwadi and Hemmadi and expressed his condolence. He took part in the grievance prayer held for the kids at Don Bosco School and held talks with the Head Provincial Fr Ian Figuereado and Principal Fr Maxim D’Souza. The school has declared holidays till Monday.

The notice boards in the schools had the condolence messages with heart shaped flowery cards all over. A silent prayer meeting was held on the occasion.