A devastating road accident in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district claimed the lives of nine people and left at least 21 others injured after a sleeper bus caught fire following a high-impact collision late on Sunday night. The tragic incident occurred on a busy stretch of the national highway, sending shockwaves across the region and prompting swift emergency response efforts.
According to preliminary reports, the private sleeper bus was travelling at high speed when it collided with another heavy vehicle. The impact reportedly caused a fuel leak, following which the bus quickly caught fire. Several passengers were trapped inside as flames spread rapidly through the vehicle, making rescue operations extremely challenging in the initial moments.
Local residents and highway patrol teams rushed to the spot upon hearing cries for help. Firefighters and emergency medical teams arrived shortly after, working for hours to extinguish the blaze and rescue survivors. Many passengers sustained severe burn injuries and fractures, and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in Chitradurga and surrounding districts for treatment. Some remain in critical condition, officials said.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest possible overspeeding and poor visibility during night travel, though officials are also examining whether mechanical failure or driver fatigue played a role.
The Karnataka government has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and announced ex-gratia compensation for the deceased and injured. Transport officials have also ordered a safety audit of private bus operators, especially those running overnight sleeper services, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident once again highlights growing concerns over highway safety, enforcement of transport regulations, and the urgent need for stricter checks on long-distance passenger buses across the country.
