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A devastating road accident occurred in the early hours of December 25, 2025, on National Highway-48 near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka.
A private luxury sleeper bus operated by Sea Bird Travels, traveling from Bengaluru to Gokarna via Shivamogga (Shimoga), collided with a container truck, resulting in the bus erupting into flames.
Key Details of the Incident
- Time and Location: Around 2-3 AM near Javanagondanahalli/Gorlathu Cross, approximately 200 km from Bengaluru on the Bengaluru-Pune/Mumbai highway.
- Vehicles Involved: A sleeper coach bus with around 32 passengers (including driver and cleaner) and a container truck (possibly carrying beverages).
- Cause: Preliminary reports indicate the truck driver may have dozed off, crossed the median divider, and rammed into the bus, striking near the fuel tank area. This caused an immediate explosion and rapid spread of fire.
- Casualties: Death toll varies across reports – confirmed at least 6-13 (including a 5-year-old girl and the truck driver), with fears of 10-20+ as many were charred beyond recognition. Over 20 passengers sustained critical burn injuries; several escaped by breaking windows or jumping out.
- Survivors: The bus driver and cleaner escaped with minor injuries. About 9 passengers reportedly unhurt initially.
Rescue operations involved fire tenders, police, and SDRF teams. Injured were rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Sira, and Bengaluru. The accident caused massive traffic jams stretching up to 30 km.
Political and Official Response
- Prime Minister’s Office: Announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to kin of deceased and ₹50,000 to injured from PMNRF.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah: Described it as “heartbreaking,” especially during Christmas travels, and ordered a probe.
- Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge: Expressed deep sorrow and assured full government support.
- Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy: Attributed the fire to the impact near the fuel tank; directed senior officials for spot inspection and report.
Broader Context: Road Safety ConcernsThis tragedy highlights recurring issues on Indian highways: driver fatigue, overspeeding, poor enforcement of safety norms (e.g., emergency exits, fire extinguishers), and divider breaches. A similar mandate for enhanced bus safety was issued after a 2024 incident in Andhra Pradesh.
With holiday travel peaking, calls for stricter regulations on private operators and truck drivers are intensifying.The incident has gone viral on social media, with videos of the blazing bus and survivor accounts spreading shock and grief nationwide.
Our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
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