A devastating road accident in Karnataka's Chitradurga district has resulted in multiple fatalities after a private bus caught fire following a collision with a container truck. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday on the busy National Highway 48.
Details of the Chitradurga Highway Tragedy
The accident took place near Hiriyur at approximately 1:45 AM on December 25, 2025. According to local police officials, a container truck traveling towards Bengaluru allegedly jumped the road divider and smashed into a bus heading in the opposite direction. The impact was severe, causing the bus to burst into flames almost immediately.
The bus, operated by Seabird Tourists, was a non-AC vehicle on a journey from Bengaluru to the coastal town of Gokarna. It was carrying 32 passengers, along with the driver and a cleaner. Preliminary reports suggest many passengers were utilizing the long weekend for a trip to Gokarna.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
The fiery collision led to a catastrophic loss of life. At least nine people were confirmed killed, with several others sustaining injuries. Many passengers managed to escape by jumping out of the burning vehicle, but numerous others were tragically trapped and burned to death.
Among the deceased was the driver of the container truck. Police indicated that the truck driver might have fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the fatal error of crossing the divider. However, Karnataka's Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, cited initial reports pointing towards overspeeding as a likely cause for the crash.
Local authorities swiftly responded to the scene. The injured were transported to hospitals in Chitradurga for urgent medical treatment. Senior officials, including Transport Commissioner Yogeshwar A M and Assistant Commissioner Omkareshwari, visited the accident site to oversee the response and investigation. Ravikanthe Gowda, Inspector General of Police for the Eastern Range, provided details of the incident to the media.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The early morning tragedy on NH-48 has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting recurring concerns about road safety on major Indian highways. The location near Hiriyur is a critical stretch of the highway connecting major cities.
Police have launched a full investigation into the exact sequence of events and the definitive cause of the collision. The focus remains on the actions of the truck driver and the condition of both vehicles prior to the accident. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of driver fatigue and speeding on long-distance routes.
