Shripad Naik is out of danger and is being treated at a hospital (File)
Union Minister Shripad Naik was injured while his wife and close aide died after a tragic accident in Karnataka on Monday. His wife and his personal secretary, Deepak, who were critical after the crash, died in the hospital, police confirmed.
Mr Naik, who is the Union Minister of state for AYUSH (independent) and defence is out of danger. He is being treated at the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim.
The accident occurred in Ankola in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The minister was travelling from Yellapur to Gokarna in the state when the accident occured.
Dramatic visuals from the accident site shows the white Toyota car the minister was travelling in in a mangled state among bushes and trees. The car was badly damaged, photos show.
The white Toyota car the minister was travelling in with his wife and aide was badly damaged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure proper arrangements for the treatment of Mr Naik in the state. The 68-year-old is a BJP MP from north Goa.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Pramod Sawant and asked him to provide best treatment, and if need arises, fly Mr Naik to Delhi. Mr Sawant has reached the hospital.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his grief on Twitter.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted his condolences after Mr Naik's wife Vijaya's death.
"Deeply saddened to hear the news of Vijaya Naik ji's death in an accident. Praying for the quick recovery of Hon'ble Union Minister Shripad Naik ji, hope God gives him & his family the strength to overcome this loss," he tweeted.