10 Killed in Bus-Truck Collision in Karnataka’s Chitradurga; PM Announces ₹2 Lakh Compensation
Private bus travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna catches fire after collision; most victims burnt alive
At least 10 people were killed in a tragic road accident after a private bus collided with a truck on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district early Thursday morning, police officials said.
The bus, carrying 32 passengers and travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna, caught fire immediately after the collision. Most of the victims were reportedly burnt alive inside the vehicle.
The accident took place near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk when the truck allegedly jumped the road divider and rammed into the oncoming bus. The impact triggered a massive fire, completely engulfing the bus within minutes.
Several passengers managed to escape by jumping out of the bus, while rescue teams later found multiple charred bodies at the accident site. Police said nine passengers escaped without injuries, while others were rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, and Shira in Tumakuru district. At least two people are said to be critically injured.
According to officials, the bus driver and cleaner managed to escape safely. However, the truck driver and cleaner were among those killed in the accident. Authorities continued clearing the burnt bus from the highway as investigations were underway.
In a narrow escape, another bus carrying 45 schoolchildren from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli was travelling behind the affected bus at the time of the incident. Officials said the driver acted swiftly by steering the vehicle to the other side of the road, preventing another tragedy. No children were injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it heartbreaking. He noted that many of the victims were travelling home for Christmas. The Chief Minister ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
