At least ten people were charred to death, and numerous others were injured, after a private sleeper bus collided with a truck in the early hours of Thursday in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, triggering a massive fire that completely engulfed the vehicle.
The collision occurred near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk when the impact caused the bus to catch fire almost instantly.
Flames spread rapidly, trapping several passengers and complicating rescue operations. The bus, travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, was carrying 32 passengers at the time of the accident.
Local authorities and emergency services received quick alerts and launched rescue operations without delay.
Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith Kumar Bandaru and Inspector General of Police BR Ravikanthe Gowda, along with senior police officials, arrived at the site.
Fire brigade personnel and medical teams worked to evacuate the injured and recover the deceased, transporting them to nearby hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga.
Officials confirmed that 21 injured passengers are undergoing treatment, while several others sustained serious burn injuries. Authorities cautioned that the death toll could rise as rescue and relief efforts continue.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the truck driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to cross the road divider and collide head-on with the bus.
The truck driver reportedly died on the spot. Investigators are examining whether the collision impact or a fuel leak caused the fire, but they have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
Authorities are verifying passenger details and actively searching for individuals who remain unaccounted for. Police officials emphasised that rescue teams remain at the scene, providing urgent medical attention and support to victims.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region, prompting officials to urge drivers to exercise caution, especially on highways, to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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