Chitradurga: Nine people lost their lives in a severe road accident in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district early Thursday after a speeding truck collided head-on with a sleeper bus, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Police officials said most of the victims were trapped inside the burning bus and died at the scene.
The private bus was travelling with 32 passengers on board to Gokarna when the truck reportedly crossed the central divider and rammed into it. The impact was so intense that the bus was engulfed in flames within moments. Preliminary reports indicate that the truck driver, identified as Kuldeep, was among the deceased.
Inspector General of Police (East Zone) Ravikanthe Gowda said that eight bus passengers and the truck driver have been confirmed dead so far. Twelve others sustained injuries, with nine admitted to a hospital in Sira and three shifted to Tumakuru for treatment. One patient with critical burn injuries was transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. The remaining injured passengers are stated to be out of danger.
According to the bus driver, Rafiq, who survived the crash, the truck appeared to be travelling at high speed when it crossed the divider. He said he attempted to control the bus but could not prevent the collision. Many passengers reportedly escaped by jumping out of the vehicle as the fire spread.
Police said early investigation suggests that the truck may have been carrying diesel. Forensic procedures, including DNA testing, are being undertaken to formally identify the victims, some of whom were severely burnt. Authorities are contacting families using details from online ticket bookings.
A second bus carrying 42 schoolchildren, travelling on the same route, narrowly avoided involvement in the crash. Officials said the school bus swerved off the road while trying to avoid the burning vehicle and none of the children were injured. The driver’s statement will be recorded as part of the investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. An ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased person, and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Leaders across Karnataka also expressed grief. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar extended condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while state BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa called the incident a horrific tragedy.
Police teams, fire services, and medical responders worked through the morning to control the blaze, rescue passengers, and move the injured to hospitals. A detailed inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident and whether speeding or mechanical failure contributed to the tragedy.
Authorities appealed to the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is complete and urged highway motorists to exercise caution, particularly on high-speed stretches.
