‘A few escaped with injuries’: IGP on Chitradurga bus accident

CHITRADURGA: At least nine people died and several were injured after a container lorry rammed into a private bus near Gorlathu village on National Highway-48 in the wee hours on Thursday. The accident occurred when the container lorry allegedly lost control, jumped over the divider and collided with the bus.

According to IGP Dr B R Ravikante Gowda, the bus was headed to Gokarna from Bengaluru when the accident occurred. “A Seabird bus was going to Gokarna. A container truck rammed the bus after jumping the divider. As per preliminary investigation, nine people, including eight bus passengers and the lorry driver have died while a few escaped with injuries”.

The accident left several people injured, with one person sustaining 20 per cent burns and was referred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru for treatment. The police officer stated that there were 32 people on the bus, including the driver and conductor.

“One injured person has been referred to the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru as the individual suffered 20 per burns. According to our information, there were 32 people on the bus, including the driver and the conductor”, Gowda added.

#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 school bus carrying 48 students, which was travelling parallel to the private bus, collided with the burnt bus, but none of the children were injured. The school bus driver, who witnessed the entire incident, is assisting the police with their investigation.

“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,” IGP Dr Ravikante Gowda added.

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 currently under way, and authorities are recording the statements for further enquiry in the case.

#WATCH | Karnataka | An accident took place between a lorry and a private bus near Gorlathu village in Chitradurga district on National Highway 48. More details awaited

(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/r38wVVJ77r

— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which claimed several lives. Taking to X, the President offered her condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident.

In her statement, President Murmu wrote, “Deeply pained by the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which has led to the loss of lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic mishap in Chitradurga district, Karnataka. In a message shared through the official X handle of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

In light of the tragedy, the Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, Rs 50,000 would be provided to those injured in the incident.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi…” said the Prime Minister, according to PMO India X post. (ANI)