Dharmasthala : Three people were killed on the spot and two others had a providential escape after a tree they were cutting fell on them, in Kayila, Patrame village in Dharmasthala on Tuesday afternoon.

The victims have been identified as Prashanth Kumbara, 23, Swasthik Poojary, 25, residents of Patrame and Ganesh, 38, resident of Uppinangady.

Five people including the three victims were cutting a huge Dhupa tree belonging to Lokayya Gowda, 65. They were using a woodcutter. As per the plan, the tree was supposed to fall in the opposite direction once cut. A rope was tied on the tree top so that it leans to the opposite side. Unfortunately, the rope wasn’t strong enough to take the tree’s weight and it fell straight on three of them, killing them on the spot. Two others who were standing at a safe distance escaped, said police.

A case has been registered at Dharmasthala police station.