A horrific road accident unfolded late Wednesday night in Karnataka's Chitradurga district, sending shockwaves across the region. On National Highway-48, a speeding truck collided head-on with a private sleeper bus after reportedly crossing the road divider, causing the bus to instantly burst into a massive inferno. This tragic incident resulted in the agonizing death of at least 17 passengers who were burned alive, while numerous others sustained severe injuries and are currently battling for their lives in local hospitals.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival Amidst the Blaze
The dreadful accident occurred near Gorallath Cross on National Highway-48 in Chitradurga district. Late on Wednesday night, a high-speed truck veered across the road divider, crashing violently into a sleeper bus approaching from the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that the bus immediately caught fire, rapidly transforming into a raging ball of flames. Reports indicate that the truck was traveling from Hiriyur towards Bengaluru, while the bus was en route from Bengaluru to Shivamogga. Passengers had little to no time to react as the bus was engulfed in fire within moments of the collision.
As the bus became a fiery inferno, panic ensued among the passengers trapped inside. Many were caught in the rapidly spreading flames and couldn't find a way out. The accident tragically claimed the lives of 17 passengers who were burned alive, a truly harrowing outcome. Among the deceased was Kuldeep, the driver of the truck. The bus, which had a total of 32 seats, was carrying 29 passengers at the time of the incident, comprising 15 women and 14 men, while fortuitously, some individuals, including the bus driver, conductor, and a few passengers, managed to jump out of the burning bus and save their lives, a stark contrast to the fate of those trapped within.
Casualties, Critical Injuries, and Identification Efforts
Several passengers suffered severe burn injuries and have been admitted to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Gagan Shri-Rashmi from Bengaluru and Rakshita from Gokarna are among those reported to be in a very serious state, with medical teams working tirelessly to save them. There is a possibility that the death toll might rise given the critical condition of some of the injured. Police have taken possession of all the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examination to facilitate identification and inform their respective families.
Emergency Response and Highway Chaos
Upon receiving news of the incident, senior police officials, local police, and fire brigade teams immediately rushed to the scene. The intensity of the fire made it extremely challenging to. Bring under control, requiring significant effort from multiple fire tenders. The accident led to a massive traffic jam stretching approximately 30 kilometers on National Highway-48, causing widespread disruption and chaos on the highway. Some local residents initially attempted to extinguish the fire, but the sheer scale of. The blaze prevented their success, forcing them to await the arrival of emergency services.
Investigation Underway and Safety Concerns
Hiriyur Rural Police Station has registered a case regarding this horrific road accident and has initiated a thorough investigation. The police are working to ascertain why the truck driver crossed the divider and the precise circumstances that led to the collision. Eyewitness accounts are being recorded, and technical aspects of the accident are also under scrutiny. This tragic event has raised serious questions about highway safety, especially concerning night travel and vehicle speed control. Authorities are expected to take necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents in the future.
