Kundapur: Thousands of people lined up to pay homage to the eight innocent children who were killed in a road accident at Trasi on Tuesday, June 21. The funeral of five children – Calista Olivera, Clarissa Olivera (daughters of Stephen & Rita Olivera, Moovattumudi), Alvita Olivera, Ancita Olivera (daughters of Alwyn & Reshma Olivera, Moovattumudi) and Delwin Dais (s/o Vinod & Defhni Dias, Gangoli) – was held at the Immaculate Conception BVM Church, Gangoli whereas the funeral of the other three children were held at evening on the same day at Tallur church.

The funeral ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of the Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. Fr Anil D’Souza (dean, Udupi deanery), Fr Figredo Ian (Provincial, Silesian Don Bosco Konkan Province), Fr Maxim D’Souza (principal of the Don Bosco School) and Fr Albert D’Souza (parish priest) were also present.

The accident occurred on June 21 when the Maruti Omni transporting the children of Don Bosco English School was hit by a bus while taking a right turn towards the school near Movadi Junction. Three died on the spot and five students breathed their last en route to KMC Hospital Manipal.

People from different communities were present at the Immaculate Conception BVM Church. Several political leaders like MP of Udupi Shobha Karandlaje, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat members were present and paid their last respects to the departed souls. Udupi SP Annamalai and other senior police officials were also present.