The death toll in the Karnataka bus accident in Chitradurga district has risen to seven after the injured driver succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The tragedy occurred on December 25, 2025, when a sleeper coach bus collided with a container truck near Javanagondanahalli in Hiriyur taluk.
The bus caught fire immediately after the collision, trapping passengers inside. Six people were burnt alive on the spot, while 21 others sustained serious burn injuries. Rescue teams evacuated several passengers, but the blaze completely gutted the vehicle.
The bus driver, Mohammed Rafique, who was critically injured, died on December 26, raising the death toll to seven. Authorities have recovered charred bodies from the accident site and sent bone samples for DNA testing to confirm identities before handing them over to families.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. The injured are being treated at KIMS Hospital, Hubballi, and other nearby facilities.
Police said most passengers were asleep when the accident occurred, making escape difficult. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and fire preparedness in long-distance sleeper buses, which often pose higher risks due to limited exits and flammable interiors.
The Chitradurga accident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety measures on highways and in passenger transport vehicles.
