‘Deeply pained, saddened’: President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi express sorrow over Chitradurga bus fire incident

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus fire incident near Chitradurga, which claimed at least nine lives.

Taking to X, the President offered her heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the accident. In her post, 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.”

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 speedy recovery of the injured.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 25, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed deep sorrow over the tragic mishap. In a message shared through the official Twitter 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 will 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…

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 25, 2025

“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.

#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

The lorry, which was travelling from Hiriyur to Bengaluru, reportedly jumped 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 awaiting further details. The cause of the accident is still uncertain and the authorities are recording statements for further enquiry into the case.

IGP Dr 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 lorry that jumped over 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 fuel tanker truck rammed the bus by jumping over the divider. As per preliminary investigation, eight people who were in the bus and the lorry driver have died, a few escaped with injuries. 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.(ANI)