CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM Shivakumar express sorrow over Chitradurga bus accident

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus accident near Chitradurga that resulted in the loss of several lives. Taking to X, Siddaramaiah described the news as heartbreaking, particularly as many of the passengers were heading to their villages for Christmas holidays.

In his post, he wrote, “Hearing the tragic news of several passengers being burned alive in the horrific accident between a lorry and a bus near Chitradurga has left hearts trembling. It is heartbreaking that the journey of those heading to their villages for the Christmas holidays ended in such a tragedy”.

ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ‌ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿದ ಭೀಕರ ಅಪಘಾತದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೃತಪಟ್ಟವರ ಕುಟುಂಬಗಳಿಗೆ ತಲಾ ರೂ.5 ಲಕ್ಷ ಹಾಗೂ ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡವರಿಗೆ ತಲಾ ರೂ.50,000 ಪರಿಹಾರ ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು.

ಘಟನೆಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಂದ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು, ಸಂತ್ರಸ್ತರ ನೆರವಿಗೆ ನಿಲ್ಲುವಂತೆ ಸೂಚಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತನಿಖೆ ನಡೆಸಿ, ಅಪಘಾತಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣ ಪತ್ತೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಕ್ರಮ…

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 25, 2025

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased, adding, “I pray that the souls of the deceased find peace. I, too, share in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the accident”.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident. In a tweet, Shivakumar conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಿಂದ ಗೋಕರ್ಣಕ್ಕೆ ತೆರಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಬಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಟ್ರಕ್ ನಡುವೆ ಹಿರಿಯೂರು ಬಳಿ ಅಪಘಾತ ಸಂಭವಿಸಿ ಹಲವರು ಸಜೀವ ದಹನಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಿಳಿದು ತೀವ್ರ ಆಘಾತವಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೃತಪಟ್ಟವರಿಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಸಂತಾಪಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. ಗಾಯಾಳುಗಳು ಶೀಘ್ರ ಗುಣಮುಖರಾಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಹಾರೈಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. ಇಂತಹ ದುರಂತಗಳು ಮರುಕಳಿಸದಿರಲಿ.

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) December 25, 2025

In the X post, he wrote, “The news of the accident that occurred near Hiriyur between a bus and a truck travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna, resulting in several people being burned alive, has come as a severe shock. I convey my condolences to those who have died. I pray that the injured recover soon. May such tragedies never recur”.

An accident occurred near Gorlathu village on National Highway-48 near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district involving a Seabird private sleeper bus and a container truck. The lorry, travelling in the opposite direction, reportedly jumped the divider and rammed the bus, resulting in the death of nine individuals.

Inspector General of Police D. B R Ravikante Gowda confirmed the details of the incident, stating that a SeaBird bus, which was en route to Gokarna, was rammed by a container truck that jumped the divider.

#WATCH | Chitradurga, Karnataka | IGP Dr BR Ravikante Gowda says, “The accident happened at 2 am… A container crossed the divider and hit a moving bus… Three people are missing… Hopefully, they are alive… One person is at risk and has been taken to the hospital for… https://t.co/aTrDHKnYD9 pic.twitter.com/IkKiOl2dKv

— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025

“A Seabird bus was going to Gokarna. A container truck rammed the bus after jumping over the divider. As per preliminary investigation, eight bus passengers have died, a few escaped with injuries, and the container driver also died. In total, nine people have died… One injured person has been referred to the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru as the individual had sustained 20 per cent burns”.

He said, “According to our information, there were 32 people on the bus, including the driver and the conductor… A school bus travelling from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, travelling parallel, also collided with the burnt bus. Fortunately, nothing happened to the 48 students who were on that bus. That school bus driver is the eyewitness to the whole incident. We are also recording his statement… Further enquiry is on…” Dr Gowda said.

The lorry, which was travelling from Hiriyur to Bengaluru, reportedly crossed the divider, causing the collision. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Hiriyur Rural police station. Rescue operations are under way and authorities are recording statements for further enquiry into the case. (ANI)