BENGALURU: 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.
While nine others managed to escape unharmed, several individuals have been injured. They have been rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga for treatment.
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.
IGP Dr. BR Ravikante Gowda confirmed the details of the incident, stating that a SeaBird bus, which was en route to Gokarna, was rammed by a fuel tanker that jumped over the divider.
“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 per cent body has been burnt…”
He further said, “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… Further enquiry is on…,” Dr. Gowda said.
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.
Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are recording statements for further enquiry into the case.
President Droupadi Murmu has expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which claimed several lives.
Taking to X via @rashtrapatibhvn, the President offered her heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident.
In her post, President Murmu wrote, “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 the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic mishap in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, in which 10 people have lost their lives.
In a message shared through the official Twitter handle of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
In light of the tragedy, the Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, Rs 50,000 would be provided to those injured in the incident.
“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 Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi …” said the Prime Minister, according to PMO India X post.
