Tragedy Strikes Karnataka: 9 Dead in Fiery Bus Crash
Horror unfolded on the highways of Karnataka early Thursday morning as a devastating collision left at least nine people dead. The victims were charred to death after a private sleeper bus caught fire following a violent impact with a container lorry. This horrific Chitradurga bus accident has sent shockwaves across the region, raising serious concerns about highway safety.
Impact and Fire
Police reports indicate the incident occurred around 2:00 AM near Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district. The bus, carrying 32 passengers, was making its overnight journey from Bengaluru to the coastal town of Gokarna. Authorities suspect the driver of the container lorry may have dozed off at the wheel. The heavy vehicle reportedly jumped the road divider, crashing head-on into the oncoming bus.
Upon impact, the bus instantly turned into a fireball. While the lorry driver died in the crash, the flames engulfed the bus so quickly that many passengers were trapped inside. Local police confirmed that rescue teams are searching the wreckage, though 21 injured survivors have already been rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga.
Survivors Recount the Nightmare
Aditya, a survivor who managed to escape the inferno, described the chaotic scene. He stated that the bus had departed Bengaluru late at night. "I fell down after the accident, broke the glass, and managed to get out. Many people were screaming, but by then the fire had engulfed the bus," he recalled in horror.
PM Modi Expresses Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Chitradurga bus accident. Offering condolences to the grieving families, the Prime Minister’s Office announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. Additionally, Rs 50,000 will be provided to those who sustained injuries in this heartbreaking Karnataka bus fire.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause, though initial evidence points heavily toward the lorry driver’s loss of control. This incident follows another fatal crash in the region just a day prior, highlighting a grim week for road safety in the state.
