Karnataka crash: Fuel tanker jumped divider, hit bus head-on; how a split-second collision sparked fire

CHITRADURGA: The blaze that engulfed a private sleeper coach on National Highway 48 in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district in the early hours of Thursday was triggered when a fuel tanker truck jumped the road divider and rammed into the bus, causing it to burst into flames, police said to news agency ANI.

The crash has so far claimed over five lives, while several others sustained serious injuries.


The accident occurred around 3 am near Gorlath Cross in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district. The impact of the collision engulfed the sleeper coach in flames in the middle of the highway, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle.

Also read: Karnataka highway tragedy: Over 20 burnt alive as Bengaluru-Shivamogga bus catches fire in Chitradurga

Police and fire service personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

Here's how tragedy unfolded

Preliminary investigations point to negligence on the part of the tanker driver, police said. The truck driver, identified as Kuldeep, died in the crash. The bus driver, conductor and a few passengers managed to escape by jumping out moments after the collision.

Inspector general of police BR Ravikante Gowda told news agency ANI, "a school bus travelling parallel to the sleeper coach also collided with the burnt vehicle. However, all 48 students on board escaped unhurt. The school bus driver is an eyewitness to the incident."



Police said the bus was carrying 29 passengers — 15 women and 14 men — against a seating capacity of 32. Of them, 25 were from Gokarna, two from Kumta and two from Shivamogga.

Chitradurga superintendent of police Ranjith visited the accident site to supervise rescue and investigation work. A case has been registered at the Hiriyur Rural police station.

Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted, "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 Narendra Modi."

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also expressed shock over the incident, in a post on X, he said "Hearing the tragic news of several passengers being burned alive in the horrific accident between a lorry and a bus near Chitradurga has left hearts trembling. 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."

The accident led to a massive traffic jam on NH-48, with vehicles stranded for nearly 30 km up to Shiravara, police said.