10 Dead As Bus Goes Up In Flames After Collision With Truck In Karnataka
In the early hours of December 25, 2025, a devastating road accident occurred when a private sleeper bus collided with a heavy truck on National Highway-48 (NH-48) near Gorlathu village in Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The collision was so severe that the bus exploded into flames within moments, trapping many passengers inside.
According to initial reports, the bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, covering over 300 kilometers, when the collision happened around 2:30 AM. The truck — believed to have jumped the median and veered into the bus’s lane — struck the vehicle at high speed, rupturing the fuel tank and triggering a massive fire that engulfed the coach.
Death Toll and Casualties — Rescue Efforts Ongoing
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead after being burned alive in the blaze, while over 20 others have been injured and are undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals. Authorities fear that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to search the wreckage.
Eyewitnesses and survivors reported chaotic and terrifying scenes as the fire spread rapidly through the sleeper bus’s interior, making evacuation extremely difficult. Some passengers managed to escape by breaking windows, but many others were unable to get out in time.
Local police and firefighters were dispatched swiftly to the site near Hiriyur taluk, but the intensity of the fire posed significant challenges. Medical teams are treating the injured for severe burns and trauma, and authorities have set up emergency response units in hospitals across nearby towns.
What Officials Say — Cause and Investigation Underway
Preliminary investigations suggest that the truck may have lost control, crossed the central divider, and crashed head-on into the bus. Police sources indicate that the point of impact likely ruptured the bus’s fuel tank, causing fuel to spray and ignite almost instantly.
A senior police official told reporters that investigators are looking into several possible causes, including driver fatigue, overspeeding, or mechanical failure on the truck’s part. The driver of the bus, who survived with injuries, stated that he saw the truck approaching but was unable to avoid the collision despite attempting to control the vehicle’s speed.
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The truck driver is also believed to have died in the crash, though authorities are confirming exact details. Forensic teams have been dispatched to the site to gather evidence and piece together the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts — Moments of Horror and Chaos
Survivors described moments of terror as flames engulfed the bus within seconds of the crash. One survivor said, “The fire spread so fast that we could hardly breathe. People were screaming and trying to break windows to escape.”
By the time emergency crews arrived, the bus was almost completely charred, with smoke still rising from the wreckage. Local residents and passersby also rushed to assist, pulling injured passengers out and helping authorities in early evacuation efforts.
Government Response and Condolences
Political leaders, including senior officials and ministers, expressed deep sorrow over the accident. Condolence messages poured in on social media platforms, with many promising swift action to support families affected by this tragedy. Compensation packages for the next of kin of the deceased and financial aid for the injured have been announced as per official norms.
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Broader Concerns on Road Safety
This tragic incident once again highlights persistent concerns about road safety on Indian highways, especially in the context of heavy vehicles like trucks and long-distance buses. Advocates have called for stricter regulations on lane discipline, more rigorous fatigue monitoring for drivers and better emergency response infrastructure along key national highways.
Road safety experts say that preventive measures — such as enhanced trucking standards, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and improved training for long-distance drivers — are urgently needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.