At Least 10 Dead in Karnataka Bus–Truck Collision Fire in Chitradurga; Centre Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex Gratia

A passenger bus collided with a truck and caught fire on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district early Wednesday, killing at least 10 people. The accident occurred near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk and prompted immediate rescue and recovery operations. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as several passengers remained trapped inside the bus when flames spread rapidly. Many of the victims were travelling home for the Christmas holidays.

Chitradurga (Karnataka): Bus Catches Fire After Truck Crosses Divider

According to PTI, the bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga when the crash took place. Nine passengers escaped without injuries, while rescue teams shifted the injured to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga.

East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda said the bus was carrying 32 passengers bound for Gokarna when it burst into flames after the impact. “Several passengers failed to get out in time and were burnt alive,” he said.

Preliminary investigations show that the truck veered across the road divider and rammed into the oncoming bus. While the bus driver and cleaner managed to escape, the truck’s driver and cleaner died in the accident.

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School Bus Narrowly Escapes; Recovery Work Continues

Police said several passengers saved themselves by jumping out of the bus moments after the collision. District authorities, police personnel, and emergency teams remain at the site and are working to clear the charred vehicle from the highway.

A second bus carrying 45 schoolchildren from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli was travelling close behind but narrowly avoided the crash. “The driver swerved to the other side of the road in time, preventing another tragedy. No one was injured,” Gowda told PTI. The Centre announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of those killed in the accident.

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