Chitradurga (Karnataka): Several passengers were charred to death after a private sleeper bus on Thursday collided with a lorry and burst into flames on National Highway 48 at Gorlathu Cross in Hiriyur taluk of Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, according to media reports. At least 21 passengers sustained injuries, reported Hindustan Times.
The accident occurred between 2am and 3am, when a truck coming from the opposite direction reportedly jumped the central divider and rammed into the oncoming bus, according to senior police officials. The impact triggered a massive fire that engulfed the bus within seconds, leaving passengers with little chance to escape.
Preliminary reports indicate the bus, operated by Sea Bird Travels, was travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna with about 32 people on board, including the driver and conductor, reported Indian Express.
Several other passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga and Tumakuru for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the loss of lives, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for each victim’s next of kin, along with Rs 50,000 for those injured.
“Deeply pained by the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which has led to the loss of lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” President Draupadi Murmu wrote on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also conveyed his shock and ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, while extending prayers for the departed and wishes for the recovery of the injured. Probe is underway.
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