What is the story about?
A massive tragedy struck Karnataka in the early hours of Thursday, December 25, when a bus from Bengaluru caught fire in Chitradurga district. The fire quickly
escalated, trapping several passengers inside and claiming multiple lives. One of the recovered bodies belonged to the lorry driver, who “possibly” dozed off and collided with the bus, triggering the fire. Several people were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment, but some could not survive. The incident has caused widespread tension, panic, and grief across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering condolences to the families of the deceased. He also announced that the kin of those who died in the accident would receive an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000.
What Caused the Incident?
The police have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary investigations revealed that a lorry, coming from the opposite side, jumped over the divider and struck the bus. Investigators believe the lorry hit the bus’s fuel tank, causing diesel to gush out and catch fire.
IGP Davangere, Ravikanthe Gowda, said, "Early this morning, a lorry jumped over the divider and hit the bus. Preliminary investigations indicate the lorry may have struck the bus's fuel tank, causing fuel to leak and catch fire. A few passengers managed to escape, but currently, eight passengers have died, along with the lorry driver. A total of nine fatalities has been confirmed so far."
Also Read: Bengaluru: Woman Set on Fire by Jilted Lover Who Wanted to Marry Her Daughter
Lorry Driver Possibly Dozed Off
Another police official stated that the lorry driver might have fallen asleep while driving, losing control of the vehicle. "Preliminary investigations suggest the accident occurred due to the negligence of the lorry driver, who may have dozed off. The container lorry reportedly crossed the road divider and rammed into the private bus," officials said. The lorry was reportedly traveling from Hiriyur to Bengaluru, and the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Hiriyur Rural Police Station.
PM Modi Shares Condolences
Following the tragedy, PM Modi expressed his condolences on Thursday morning and announced financial aid for the families of the deceased. "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured will be given Rs 50,000," said the Prime Minister via PMO India’s social media.
The bus was carrying a total of 32 people, including the driver and conductor. Of these, 21 passengers have been traced and taken to hospitals, with six currently receiving treatment for injuries. Eleven passengers remain missing.
