Chitradurga, December 25, 2025 – In a tragic road accident, nine people, including eight bus passengers and the lorry driver, were killed when a private sleeper coach bus caught fire following a head-on collision with a lorry on National Highway 48 in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district on Thursday.
The bus was en route from Bengaluru to Shivamogga when the lorry, travelling in the opposite direction from Hiriyur to Bengaluru, crossed the central divider at Gorlathu Cross and rammed into it. The severe impact struck the bus’s diesel tank, causing fuel leakage and an immediate blaze that engulfed the vehicle, trapping many passengers inside.
Eastern Range Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda stated that preliminary investigations point to negligence by the lorry driver. “The truck directly hit the diesel tank, leading to the fire,” he said, confirming the death toll and adding that there were 32 passengers on the bus.
At least 21 passengers sustained burn injuries. Of the injured, 12 are being treated in Hiriyur, 9 in Shira, and 3 in Tumkur hospitals. One critically injured person from Shira, with 15-20% burns, has been transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. Most others are reported to be out of danger.
Authorities are collecting DNA samples and booking details to identify the deceased victims. Fortunately, a nearby school bus carrying children passed the site without any injuries to the students.
Police have registered a case, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and any additional lapses. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over road safety on Karnataka’s busy highways.
