Three women died on the spot and nine sustained serious injuries in a head-on collision between a vanand a lorry on NH 50 near Shivapur in Kudligi talk of the district in the early hours of Wednesday.

The victims were identified as Shabana (22), Rubiya (41). and Bijin (43). The van passengers were returning from Mysuru to their native Chikkasangi in Basavanabagewadi taluk of Vijayapura district.

The injured have been admitted to Kudligi government hospital and VIMS hospital.

Additional SP Lavanya, Kudligi DySP Basaveshwar and other officers visited the spot.