Bengaluru: Five young people lost their lives after a car collided with a KSRTC bus near Nelamangala on the outskirts of Bengaluru late Saturday night, police said.

According to officials, the accident happened around midnight when the car, travelling towards Bengaluru, allegedly hit a road divider, crossed into the opposite lane, and crashed into an oncoming bus.

Police said the collision was extremely severe. Four passengers in the car died at the spot, while another critically injured victim was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to injuries.

The deceased were all aged between 17 and 22 years and belonged to Doddaballapura. The car was badly damaged due to the impact.

The mother of one of the victims told reporters that her son had informed her he was going to a temple and might return late. She said the youngsters were friends and she was unaware of whose car they were travelling in.

"I have lost a son, who had come of age... He was working as a CCTV camera operator. They (all deceased) are friends, I don't know whose car it is," she said.

Speeding suspected, probe underway

Investigators believe the car may have been speeding and that the driver possibly lost control before the crash. Authorities are also examining whether alcohol consumption played a role in the accident.

Joint Commissioner of Police Karthik Reddy said blood samples have been collected and sent for forensic testing, while the background of the victims is being verified.

KSRTC bus passengers safe

All 43 passengers travelling on the KSRTC bus escaped without major injuries. After the accident, they were shifted to another bus to continue their journey.

A case has been registered at Madanayakanahalli Police Station, and further investigation is ongoing.