Bengaluru-Kalaburagi Bus Crash Leaves Passengers Traumatized After Fire Destroys Valuables
A late-night journey home turned into a harrowing ordeal for thirty passengers traveling from Bengaluru to Kalaburagi when their private semi-sleeper bus crashed and subsequently caught fire in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred near Kerekattiganuru Cross, close to Nelamangala, after the vehicle lost control and collided with an electricity pole.
Survival at a Crushing Financial Cost
While all passengers miraculously escaped without physical injuries, the emotional and financial toll has been devastating. The bus later erupted in flames, completely gutting the vehicle and destroying all luggage, cash, documents, and personal belongings inside.
For Shivananda Hiremath, a cab driver from Jewargi taluk in Kalaburagi district who works in Bengaluru, survival came with heartbreaking loss. He lost approximately Rs 5 lakh in cash that he was carrying to redeem his family's pledged jewelry back home. "That money was my family's lifetime savings," he said, visibly shaken. "Everything we worked for was burnt and turned into ashes in front of our eyes."
Allegations of Rash Driving and Crew Abandonment
Several passengers have blamed the accident on reckless driving by the bus operator. The vehicle, operated by a private travel company, was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru's Majestic area at 10 PM on Thursday but left nearly forty-five minutes late. Passengers allege the driver was speeding dangerously to compensate for the delayed departure.
"He kept overtaking vehicles dangerously," Shivananda alleged. "At one point, there was a scooter ahead and a truck coming from the opposite side. He tried to squeeze through at high speed, lost control, and the bus skidded into a ditch."
Passengers reported that fear spread through the bus as they repeatedly urged the driver to slow down. "He was rude and ignored us completely," Shivananda stated. "We knew something bad would happen."
Trauma Compounded by Crew's Disappearance
The shock of the accident turned into disbelief when the bus crew allegedly fled the scene, abandoning passengers on the dark highway. Approximately one hour after the crash, flames engulfed the vehicle, destroying everything inside.
For another passenger named Shilpa, survival brought profound heartbreak. "We are alive, but we lost everything—our savings, valuables and peace of mind," she expressed to media persons. The incident has left multiple families facing not only trauma but significant financial hardship.
The private travel company operating the bus has not yet issued any official statement regarding the accident or the allegations against their driver and crew. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding both the crash and the subsequent fire that destroyed passengers' belongings.
