A tragic accident occurred near Gorlathu village, located in the Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district, on National Highway 48. A private bus, travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, was involved in a collision with a lorry. The impact caused the bus, a sleeper coach, to catch fire.
As per preliminary reports, more than 10 people are feared to have perished in the blaze. Rescue operations are currently underway, and authorities are awaiting further details, ANI reported.
While nine others managed to escape unharmed, several individuals have been injured. They have been rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga for treatment.
IGP Dr BR Ravikante Gowda said, “A seabird bus was going to Gokarna. A fuel tanker truck rammed the bus by jumping over the divider. As per preliminary investigation, eight people have died, a few escaped with injuries, and the container driver also died. In total, nine people have died... One injured person has been referred to the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru as their 20% body has been burnt... ”
“According to our information, there were 32 people on the bus, including the driver and the conductor... A school bus travelling from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, travelling parallel, also collided with the burnt bus. Fortunately, nothing happened to the 48 students who were on that bus. That school bus driver is the eyewitness to the whole incident. We are also recording his statement,” he added.
The lorry, which was travelling from Hiriyur to Bengaluru, reportedly crossed the divider, causing the collision. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Hiriyur Rural Police Station.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh. In a post on X, PMO wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
(With inputs from agencies)
