At least 6 killed in Karnataka bus fire in Chitradurga; Centre announces Rs 2 lakh compensation

VIDEO | Chitradurga, Karnataka: Over 10 people are feared dead in a lorry-bus collision on National Highway 48 near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk.

The bus, travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, caught fire following the crash. Nine passengers reportedly escaped unhurt,… pic.twitter.com/dj75qIiIws

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 25, 2025

As per news agency PTI, the bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga. It caught fire after the crash. Nine passengers managed to escape unhurt, while the injured were shifted to Hiriyur and Chitradurga hospitals. According to East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda, the bus, which was carrying 32 passengers to Gokarna, was engulfed in flames following the impact. Several victims were trapped inside and were burnt alive.

#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 Chitradurga district administration authorities, police, and emergency teams are conducting out recovery operations and the charred bus is being cleared from the road.

PTI reported that the preliminary findings suggest the accident occurred when the truck veered across a road divider and slammed into the oncoming bus. While the bus driver and cleaner managed to escape, the truck’s driver and cleaner were among those killed.

Police said many occupants survived by jumping out of the bus moments after the collision.

A second bus travelling from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli with 45 schoolchildren was following close behind but narrowly avoided the crash. “Fortunately, the driver steered the bus to the other side of the road, and no one was injured,” Gowda was quted as saying by PTI.

PM Modi, CM Siddaramaiah mourn deaths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss of lives in the accident. “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,” his statement on the PMO’s X handle read.

An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, PM Modi said.

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

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said:  “It is heartbreaking that the journey of those heading home for Christmas leave has ended in such a tragedy. A thorough investigation into the accident should be conducted to uncover the cause. I pray for peace to the souls of the departed. I share in the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the accident.”