Christmas Day Marred by Horrific Road Accident Near Chitradurga
A devastating road accident on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, has sent shockwaves across Karnataka. A collision between a bus and a truck near Hireyur, close to Chitradurga, resulted in a tragic fire, leading to multiple fatalities and severe injuries.
Leaders Express Shock and Sorrow
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar took to social media platform X to express their profound grief over the incident. CM Siddaramaiah stated that his "heart trembled" upon hearing the news of the ghastly accident where several passengers were burnt alive. He lamented that the journey of people heading home for Christmas holidays ended in such a tragic manner, calling it deeply regrettable.
He assured that a proper investigation into the accident would be conducted to ascertain the cause. Deputy CM Shivakumar confirmed that the bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Gokarna when the collision with the truck occurred. He expressed his deep shock, conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The accident involved a passenger bus en route from the state capital, Bengaluru, to the coastal town of Gokarna. The collision with a truck happened in the Hireyur area, near Chitradurga district. The impact was so severe that it reportedly caused a fire, leading to passengers being trapped and burnt alive. While the exact number of casualties was not specified in the initial statements, both leaders confirmed that multiple lives were lost.
The leaders' messages highlight the horrific nature of the incident, emphasizing the burning of passengers as a particularly distressing detail. The timing, during the Christmas holiday travel season, has added to the profound sense of loss and tragedy.
Calls for Prevention and Investigation
In his statement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. Deputy CM Shivakumar concluded his message with a hope that such tragedies are not repeated. The incident underscores critical concerns about road safety on Karnataka's highways, especially during peak holiday travel periods.
The tragic event has cast a pall over the festive celebrations in the state, turning a time of joy into one of mourning for many families. Authorities are expected to release more details regarding the victims and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances that led to this fatal crash.
