A horrific road accident in Karnataka's Haveri district has resulted in a massive loss of life. Early on Saturday morning, a private bus collided with a truck, leading to a devastating fire that killed 25 people on the spot.
The Scene of the Tragedy
The fatal collision occurred near Devanagavi village on the National Highway 48, which connects Bengaluru to Mumbai. According to police reports, the accident took place around 5:30 AM. The private bus, reportedly traveling from Indi in Vijayapura district to Bengaluru, crashed into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
The impact of the collision was so severe that it caused an immediate and intense fire. Twenty-five passengers were charred to death inside the bus before they could escape. The ferocity of the flames made rescue operations extremely challenging for the emergency teams who rushed to the spot.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Local police and fire department personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene. The visuals from the accident site were gruesome, with the bus completely gutted and the truck also suffering significant damage. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. He also instructed district officials to provide immediate medical care to the injured.
While the exact number of injured survivors is being confirmed, initial reports suggest several people were rushed to nearby hospitals. The authorities are working to identify the victims, a process complicated by the nature of the injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with preliminary assessments pointing to possible driver error or fatigue.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
State Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the death toll and expressed deep shock over the incident. He stated that a thorough investigation has been ordered to determine the precise sequence of events that led to this catastrophe. The National Highway 48 is a critical and busy corridor, and this tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures.
This accident ranks among the deadliest road mishaps in Karnataka in recent years. It has sent shockwaves across the state, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, especially regarding the parking of heavy vehicles on highways and the maintenance of passenger buses. The community of Devanagavi and the families of the victims are in mourning as authorities continue their probe into this heartbreaking disaster.
