Death toll in Chitradurga bus accident rises to seven as driver succumbs to injuries in Hubballi hospital

HUBBALLI, CHITRADURGA: The death toll in the bus accident near Gorladaku in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district has risen to seven with the driver of the Seabird sleeper bus, which caught fire after it was hit by a container lorry, succumbing to his injuries at KIMS Hospital in Hubballi on Friday.

Mohammed Rafiq had jumped from the bus window to save himself, but suffered severe injuries, including broken limbs and internal damage to his intestines. Rafiq was a resident of Shiggaon in Haveri district.

His family is devastated by the news. His wife Banu and brother Mohammed are grief-stricken. “He had internal injuries to his intestines and underwent surgery at KIMS hospital on Thursday night. Despite the efforts, he didn’t recover and passed away early morning,” said his family members. “My husband and I worked hard to provide for our children. He was a good man”, said Banu, fighting tears.

Meanwhile, the post-mortem of the victims of the horrific bus accident was conducted at Chitradurga District Hospital and the DNA test samples sent to Hubballi for analysis.

The process was led by Dr Ajay and a team of doctors, who collected bone samples of the victims and blood samples from the deceased’s parents for DNA testing. The authorities are expecting the report within a day or two. Once the DNA report is received, the bodies will be handed over to their families.