Tearful adieu to 8 schoolchildren killed in road accident

Udupi, June 23: A pall of gloom descended over the Gangolli and Tallur villages when the coffins of eight schoolchildren killed in Tuesday's accident at Trasi were brought inside the church premises to perform their last rites.

Thousands of people took part in the ceremonies at the Gangolli and Tallur churches, amidst heavy rain, to bid the children a final adieu. While the last rites of Calista, Clarissa, Alvita, Ancita and Delwin were held at Gangolli church, the last rites of Nikitha, Ananya and Royston were held at Tallur church.

Eulogies were held at the funeral home during visitation and the vigil service, following which the funeral procession started off with police security. Shops remained closed till the funeral was over in the evening.

The funeral mass for Calista, Clarissa, Alvita, Ancita and Delwin started off at around 11 am after the coffins carrying their bodies entered the prayer hall in Gangolli church. The funeral mass for Nikitha, Ananya and Royston began at 4.30 pm at Tallur church.

Udupi Bishop Fr Dr Jerald Isaac Lobo performed the rituals. The shattered parents, especially the mothers, were motionless and were staring at the coffins.