At least 10 people were killed following a collision between a passenger bus and a truck on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district on Wednesday. The incident occurred near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk, and authorities expressed concerns that the death toll could increase. Many of the victims were reportedly on their way home for the Christmas holidays.
The bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, carrying passengers bound for Gokarna when it caught fire after the collision. According to East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda, there were 32 passengers on board at the time. Tragically, several individuals were trapped inside the burning bus, while nine managed to escape without injury. Injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga.
Preliminary investigations by PTI indicated that the accident occurred when the truck crossed the road divider and collided with the incoming bus. While the bus driver and cleaner were able to escape, both the truck’s driver and cleaner were among those who lost their lives. Police noted that several passengers survived by jumping out of the bus shortly after the impact.
A second bus carrying 45 schoolchildren was following closely behind the first bus but narrowly avoided the crash. Inspector Gowda reported, “Fortunately, the driver steered the bus to the other side of the road, and no one was injured.”
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, with district administration officials, police, and emergency teams working to clear the charred remains of the bus from the highway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating he was “deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka.” He announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased individual, and ₹50,000 for those who were injured.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed his condolences, referring to the event as heartbreaking. “It is tragic that the journey of those heading home for Christmas has ended this way,” he stated, calling for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
This tragic incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced during holiday travel, as individuals rush to reunite with loved ones during significant times of the year.
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