The bus, carrying 32 passengers and travelling to Gokarna, caught fire following the impact, with most of the victims burnt alive inside, East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda told reporters.
According to police, the accident occurred when the truck jumped the road divider and collided head-on with the oncoming bus. While the bus driver and cleaner managed to escape, the truck driver and its cleaner were among those killed.
Several passengers managed to save themselves by jumping out of the bus moments after the collision. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Shira in Tumakuru district, officials said, adding that at least 2 passengers sustained grievous injuries.
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A second bus travelling from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, carrying 45 schoolchildren, narrowly avoided the accident as it was following close behind. “Thankfully, the driver of the bus carrying schoolchildren moved to the other side of the road, and no one was hurt,” Gowda said.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
