11 Killed After Truck Collides With Sleeper Bus in Karnataka's Chitradurga
Chitradurga, Karnataka | December 25, 2025
INCIDENT OVERVIEW
At least 11 people lost their lives in a horrific road accident when a container truck collided with a private sleeper bus on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur in Karnataka's Chitradurga district during the early hours of Thursday, December 25, 2025. The collision triggered a massive fire that engulfed the bus, leaving most victims charred inside the vehicle.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 2:00 AM at Gorlattu Cross near Javangondanahalli village in Hiriyur taluk, turning what was meant to be a Christmas holiday journey into a devastating catastrophe.
THE ACCIDENT
What Happened
The private luxury sleeper bus, operated by Sea Bird Travels, was carrying 32 passengers from Bengaluru to Gokarna via Shivamogga when disaster struck. According to Eastern Range Inspector General of Police B R Ravikanthe Gowda, the container truck heading towards Bengaluru hit the road divider, crossed into the opposite lane, and crashed into the oncoming bus.
The Collision
Bus driver Rafiq, who is currently undergoing treatment, stated that the truck was travelling at high speed when it veered into the bus's lane, and he was driving at around 60 to 70 kmph. Despite his attempts to control the vehicle after noticing the speeding truck, he was unable to avoid the devastating collision.
Mohammed Sadiq, the bus cleaner who suffered minor injuries, recalled that he was asleep when the accident happened and the truck rammed directly into the diesel tank, with the impact breaking the glass and throwing him out of the bus.
The Fire
The impact ruptured the bus's diesel tank, triggering a massive fire. The blaze quickly engulfed the vehicle, trapping numerous passengers inside. The fire was so intense that most victims were burnt beyond recognition, making identification extremely difficult for authorities.
CASUALTIES AND INJURIES
Death Toll
While initial reports varied, authorities have now confirmed that 11 people died in the tragedy, including:
- Bus passengers who were burnt alive inside the vehicle
- The truck driver, identified as Kuldeep, a native of Uttar Pradesh
- The truck's cleaner
As of the latest update, four bodies have been recovered from the bus, and contact has not yet been established with three persons who remain missing. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.
Survivors and Injured
- The bus driver and cleaner managed to escape the burning vehicle
- 25 passengers are currently being treated in hospitals
- Many passengers escaped by jumping from the bus through windows
- Several sustained burn injuries and have been shifted to hospitals in Shira, Tumakuru district, and some to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru
A survivor named Isha was travelling in the rear berth of the bus and jumped out through the broken rear window after the collision. Her mother Nalini reported that while jumping, Isha saw several passengers struggling inside the bus.
Identification Challenges
Most passengers had booked their tickets online, and authorities have obtained their phone numbers to contact their families. DNA testing will be performed to identify the charred bodies recovered from the scene.
NARROW ESCAPE FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
In a remarkable stroke of fortune, another bus carrying 45 school children on an academic tour from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, which was travelling behind the ill-fated bus, narrowly avoided being involved in the accident. All children escaped unharmed, though their bus collided with the wreckage.
CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT
Preliminary Investigation Findings
Preliminary findings indicate overspeeding and negligence on the part of the truck driver. The container truck was travelling at high speed when it lost control, hit the road divider, and veered into the opposite lane where it collided head-on with the oncoming bus.
The investigation suggests that the truck may have struck the bus's diesel tank directly, causing fuel to leak and ignite immediately upon impact.
OFFICIAL RESPONSE AND RELIEF MEASURES
National Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences and announced relief measures:
- Ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased
- Rs 50,000 for each injured person
President Droupadi Murmu extended her deepest condolences to the families affected and voiced hopes for the swift recovery of those injured.
State Government Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:
- Described the incident as heartbreaking, particularly as many passengers were heading to their villages for Christmas holidays
- Announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of each deceased
- Rs 50,000 for each injured person
- Ordered a thorough investigation into the incident
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar:
- Expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy
- Assured proper medical treatment for the injured
- Conveyed condolences and prayed for swift recovery of the injured
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy:
- Directed senior officials to conduct a spot inspection
- Ordered submission of a detailed report on the incident
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
INVESTIGATION AND RESPONSE
Police Action
Senior police officers from Tumakuru and Chitradurga districts visited the accident site. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Hiriyur Rural Police Station, and authorities have launched a thorough investigation.
IGP Gowda stated that it was important to establish the identities of the four passengers whose bodies were recovered, and all facts related to the incident will be ascertained during further investigation.
The driver of the school bus that narrowly escaped the accident is being treated as an eyewitness, and his statement is being recorded.
Traffic Impact
The accident caused massive traffic congestion on National Highway 48, with commuters stranded for several hours. A traffic jam stretched nearly 30 kilometers between the Bengaluru and Sira sections of the highway as emergency services worked to clear the site and conduct rescue operations.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
This tragedy occurred on Christmas Day, when many passengers were traveling to their hometowns and villages to celebrate the holiday with their families. The timing has added to the emotional weight of the disaster, with families awaiting joyful reunions instead receiving devastating news.
The accident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on Indian highways, particularly regarding:
- Overspeeding by commercial vehicle drivers
- Inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations
- The vulnerability of passengers in sleeper buses during nighttime travel
- The catastrophic consequences of fuel tank ruptures in vehicular collisions
STATEMENTS FROM SURVIVORS
The bus driver Rafiq, currently hospitalized with injuries, provided crucial eyewitness testimony about the moments leading to the collision. Despite his experience and attempts to avoid the crash after spotting the speeding truck, the velocity and trajectory of the container vehicle made the collision unavoidable.
Mohammed Sadiq, the bus cleaner, described the terrifying moment of impact and his fortunate escape through the shattered windshield, even as he witnessed other passengers trapped inside the rapidly burning vehicle.
ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS
Rescue and recovery operations continued throughout Thursday morning as authorities worked to:
- Retrieve remaining bodies from the charred bus
- Identify victims through DNA testing
- Contact families of the deceased
- Provide medical care to the injured
- Investigate the exact sequence of events
- Determine if any safety protocols were violated
The three missing passengers remain unaccounted for, with authorities attempting to contact them via their mobile phones. One mobile phone is ringing but not being answered, while two others are not reachable, leading police to suspect they may have lost their phones during the accident and may possibly be alive.
CONCLUSION
The Chitradurga bus tragedy stands as one of the deadliest road accidents in Karnataka in recent times. As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recover from physical and psychological trauma, questions about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and driver negligence will likely dominate public discourse in the coming days.
Authorities have promised a comprehensive investigation to prevent such catastrophes in the future, while compensation measures have been announced to support the affected families during this difficult time.
Last Updated: December 25, 2025, 12:00 PM IST
