A tragic accident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, involving a sleeper bus and a lorry on NH-48 resulted in a fire that claimed the lives of over 10 passengers, while 22 others sustained serious injuries.
Karnataka: A heart-wrenching road accident has come to light in Chitradurga district, Karnataka. In this horrific incident on National Highway-48 (NH-48), a private sleeper bus was engulfed in flames. More than 10 passengers were tragically burned to death, and 22 people are reported to be seriously injured. The collision was so severe that the bus was completely reduced to ashes within minutes, causing chaos and cries for help at the scene.
How this devastating accident occurred on NH-48
This painful incident occurred when a private sleeper bus traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga was proceeding on NH-48 near Hiriur in Chitradurga district. At the same time, a lorry heading from Hiriur towards Bengaluru suddenly crossed the divider. According to eyewitnesses, the lorry driver was negligent and collided head-on with the bus at high speed. Within seconds of the collision, the bus caught fire, which quickly escalated.
The fire took a horrific form after the collision
After the collision between the lorry and the bus, a fire broke out in the front of the bus. As it was a sleeper bus, many passengers were asleep at the time. The fire spread so rapidly that the passengers did not have a chance to escape. Some passengers were trapped inside the bus and burned to death. Eyewitnesses say that flames were visible for several meters, and a cloud of smoke spread across the highway.
32 passengers were on board the bus
According to information, a total of 32 passengers were on board the bus at the time of the accident. The bus belonged to a private service called ‘Sea Bird’. The bus was completely destroyed by the fire. Preliminary investigations revealed that more than 10 people died on the spot due to burns. However, the exact number of fatalities is yet to be officially confirmed.
22 injured, many in critical condition
22 passengers were injured in this tragic accident. Many of them suffered severe burn injuries. All the injured were immediately admitted to government and private hospitals in Hiriur and Chitradurga. Doctors say that the condition of some of the injured remains critical, and they are under special care. The administration is making arrangements for the treatment of the injured.
Panic ensued after the accident
Immediately after the accident, panic ensued at the scene. Vehicles on the highway stopped, and local people rushed to help. After the fire broke out, people were seen standing near the bus, screaming. Many tried to extinguish the fire, but it was so intense that nothing could be done. Later, the police and fire brigade team arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control.
Video of the accident surfaces
A video of this horrific accident has also surfaced and is rapidly going viral on social media. The video shows the bus completely engulfed in flames, with local people standing nearby. Watching the video gives an idea of the severity of the accident. After the fire was extinguished, only the frame of the bus remained.
Condition of the bus driver and conductor
The bus driver was seriously injured in the accident and is undergoing treatment in the hospital. The bus conductor, Mohammed Salim, sustained minor injuries. The conductor, recalling the accident, said that he was sleeping at the time. Suddenly, a loud noise occurred, and the window glass shattered. After that, he fell out of the bus. He remembers nothing more, and then some people took him to the hospital. He has injuries to his hands and feet, but his condition is stable.
Negligence cited as the cause of the accident
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was entirely due to rash driving. It is reported that the lorry driver crossed the divider without caution, resulting in the horrific collision. The police have registered a case and are conducting a detailed investigation into the accident. Officials say that strict action will be taken against the culprits after the investigation is completed.
