Karnataka bus fire kills at least 10; Govt announces ₹2 lakh ex gratia

At least 10 people were killed after a passenger bus collided with a truck and caught fire on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district on December 25, triggering frantic rescue and recovery operations near Hiriyur. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as identification of victims continues.

The accident occurred near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk when the Bengaluru–Shivamogga bus was struck by an oncoming truck. According to preliminary findings, the truck veered across the road divider and rammed into the bus, which was carrying 32 passengers, many of them reportedly travelling home for the Christmas holidays.

The impact sparked a massive fire, engulfing the bus within minutes. Several passengers were trapped inside and were burnt alive, police said. Nine passengers managed to escape unhurt by jumping out moments after the collision, while the injured were rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga.

East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda said the bus was headed to Gokarna when it burst into flames following the crash. While the bus driver and cleaner escaped, the truck’s driver and cleaner were among those killed.

District administration officials, police and emergency services are continuing recovery operations as the charred remains of the bus are being cleared from the highway.

A major catastrophe was narrowly averted when a second bus, carrying 45 schoolchildren from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, avoided the crash. “Fortunately, the driver steered the bus to the other side of the road, and no one was injured,” Gowda was quoted as saying by PTI.

PM Modi, CM Siddaramaiah express grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. “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,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

Announcing compensation, the Prime Minister said an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would receive ₹50,000.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the incident heartbreaking. “It is tragic that the journey of those heading home for Christmas leave has ended this way. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident. I pray for peace to the departed souls and share the grief of the bereaved families,” he said.