Karnataka Chitradurga Bus Accident: Driver recalls the moment of impact
Rafiq, the bus driver who is now undergoing treatment for injuries, described the crash to PTI. “The truck came from the other side of the road divider and hit. It was overspeeding. I was maintaining the speed of 60-70 (km/hr) at that time. I saw the vehicle coming from the front. I know only the vehicle (truck) hitting the bus, after that I don’t know what happened and how I was brought out.”
Also Read: Karnataka bus fire: Over 9 feared dead as Bengaluru-Shivamogga bus catches fire in Chitradurga
He added, “I tried to control the bus, on seeing the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. My bus even touched the other vehicle, which was moving next to us; I don’t know what vehicle it was. But, couldn’t (control).”
Mohammed Sadiq, the bus cleaner who escaped with minor injuries, said, “The truck that was coming from the opposite direction directly rammed the diesel tank. I was in the front of the bus and was asleep when the accident occurred. Due to the impact of the accident, I was thrown out, breaking the glass of the bus.”
Blaze engulfs the bus
The collision caused the sleeper bus to burst into flames in the middle of the highway. Police and fire teams rushed to the scene to rescue passengers. Sources said more than 20 people were burned alive, but nine bodies had been retrieved by 8 am. Several injured passengers were moved to nearby hospitals.
Inspector General of Police BR Ravikante Gowda said, “A school bus travelling parallel to the sleeper coach also collided with the burnt vehicle. However, all 48 students on board escaped unhurt. The school bus driver is an eyewitness to the incident.”
Karnataka Bus Accident Cause and Victims
Preliminary investigations suggest negligence on the part of the truck driver, identified as Kuldeep, who died in the crash. The bus driver, conductor, and a few passengers managed to escape by jumping out moments after the collision.
The bus was carrying 29 passengers, 15 women and 14 men, from Gokarna, Kumta, and Shivamogga, against a seating capacity of 32. Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith visited the site to oversee rescue and investigation work. A case has been registered at Hiriyur Rural police station.
The accident caused a major traffic jam on NH-48, with vehicles stranded for nearly 30 km up to Shiravara.
Reactions from PM, CM
The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted: “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 Narendra Modi.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X: “Hearing the tragic news of several passengers being burned alive in the horrific accident between a lorry and a bus near Chitradurga has left hearts trembling. It is heartbreaking that the journey of those heading home for Christmas leave has ended in such a tragedy. A thorough investigation into the accident should be conducted to uncover the cause. I pray for peace to the souls of the departed. I share in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the accident.”