'Tried to control on seeing truck approaching, but failed': Bus driver recounts horror of Karnataka crash; was at 60-70 km/hr

CHITRADURGA: At least 5 people were burned alive on Thursday when a speeding container truck collided with a private luxury sleeper bus near Hiriyur, causing the bus to catch fire, officials saidThe bus driver stated that he tried to control his vehicle upon noticing the overspeeding truck approaching from the opposite direction, but was unable to prevent the crash. "The truck came from the other side of the road divider and hit. It was overspeeding. I was maintaining the speed of 60-70 (km/hr) at that time. I saw the vehicle coming from the front. I know only the vehicle (truck) hitting the bus, after that I don't know what happened and how I was brought out," Rafiq, the bus driver who is undergoing treatment, told PTI.He said, "I tried to control the bus, on seeing the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. My bus even touched the other vehicle, which was moving next to us; I don't know what vehicle it was. But, couldn't (control)." Mohammed Sadiq, the cleaner of the bus who is also undergoing treatment with minor injuries, said he was thrown out of the bus due to the impact."The truck that was coming from the opposite direction directly rammed the diesel tank. I was in the front of the bus and was asleep when the accident occurred. Due to the impact of the accident, I was thrown out, breaking the glass of the bus," he said.Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar tweets, "The news of the accident that occurred near Hiriyur between a bus and a truck travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna, resulting in several people being burned alive, has come as a severe shock. I convey my condolences to those who have died. I pray that the injured recover soon. May such tragedies never recur." CM of Karnataka tweets, "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."(With agency inputs)