Thu Dec 25 03:31:21 UTC 2025: News Article:
Tragedy Strikes Karnataka: Luxury Bus Fire Claims Over 11 Lives After Collision
Hiriyur, Karnataka – December 25, 2025 – A devastating collision between a luxury sleeper bus and a container truck on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district has resulted in the death of over 11 people early this morning.
The private bus, carrying 32 passengers en route from Bengaluru via Shivamogga to Gokarna, was struck by the truck. The impact caused the bus to erupt in flames, trapping many passengers inside. According to East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda, the majority of the deceased were burned alive.
While a few passengers managed to escape the inferno by jumping from the bus, the bus driver and cleaner fled the scene. Tragically, the truck driver and cleaner were among those killed.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that initial reports indicate over-speeding as the likely cause of the horrific crash.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
First Piper 