Hiriyur, India — A tragic accident unfolded on National Highway 48 early on December 25, 2025, when a private sleeper bus en route from Bengaluru to Gokarna collided with a container truck, leading to a devastating fire that claimed lives and caused numerous injuries. The incident occurred near Javanagondanahalli in Chitradurga district, capturing the community’s attention as details emerged from the scene of the crash.
Authorities reported that six individuals, including a five-year-old girl, lost their lives in the fire that engulfed the bus shortly after the collision. Among the deceased were Bindu V., her daughter Grema, Manasa, Navya, Rashmi Mahale, and the truck driver. Onboard the bus were 33 passengers, with 28 sustaining injuries in the incident.
In response to the tragic events, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation package of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who perished and ₹50,000 for the injured. The Chief Minister underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the accident’s causes and assured that every possible support would be provided to the victims’ families.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the collision occurred when the truck crossed into the bus’s lane, igniting the diesel tank and triggering the fire. Many passengers were asleep at the time, which compounded the disaster, as some managed to leap to safety while others found themselves trapped by the flames.
Heroic efforts emerged amidst the tragedy when a nearby school bus driver named Sachin rescued seven individuals just moments before an explosion made further rescue attempts hazardous. He recounted witnessing the flames spread rapidly, highlighting the dire circumstances that unfolded during the ordeal.
The unfortunate collision also involved a school bus that was nearby, though fortunately, no injuries were reported among the children onboard. The police pointed to reckless driving as a probable cause, indicating that the truck driver may have either fallen asleep or was driving carelessly.
Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that preliminary investigations suggested no wrongdoing on the part of the bus driver. Initial assessments indicated that the fire resulted directly from the truck striking the bus near the fuel tank, leading to the rapid ignition of diesel.
In the aftermath of the accident, authorities delivered critical updates regarding the injured victims, who were transported to hospitals in Hiriyur, Sira, Tumkur, and Bengaluru’s Victoria Hospital. While one individual remained in critical condition, others were reported as stable.
Local schoolchildren involved in the incident were unharmed and continued their journey after being transferred to a different vehicle. The driver of the school bus, despite suffering a head injury, played a role in aiding rescue efforts.
As investigations continue, officials have collected DNA samples to assist in identifying victims. Fire crews from multiple agencies responded swiftly to quell the blaze and facilitate rescue operations, showcasing the community’s resilience in the face of crisis. This incident underscores the ongoing concerns regarding road safety and the need for heightened vigilance on highways.