Tragic Bus Fire in Karnataka Claims Seven Lives: What Happened?
Fatal Bus Incident in Chitradurga
Chitradurga: The tragic bus accident in Karnataka's Chitradurga has resulted in a total of seven fatalities, following the death of the bus driver who succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning.
On Thursday, a sleeper coach bus was involved in a collision with a container truck, leading to a fire that claimed the lives of at least six individuals, while 21 others sustained burn injuries.
The driver, 42-year-old Mohammad Rafeeq from Shiggaon in Haveri district, was taken to KIMS Hospital in Hubballi after being ejected from the bus during the crash.
Despite undergoing surgery on Thursday night, he passed away due to his injuries the following morning.
From his hospital bed, Rafeeq recounted the harrowing moment when a speeding truck collided with his bus.
"I was driving at approximately 60 to 70 km/h when I saw the container truck approaching. I attempted to steer the bus away, but it was futile as another bus was in the adjacent lane. I don't recall how I escaped," he shared.
Another passenger, Manjunath, is in critical condition with 30% burns and is currently receiving treatment in the burns ICU at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru.
Authorities have announced that the remains of five passengers will be returned to their families once DNA testing is completed. Bone samples have been sent for forensic analysis, with results expected shortly.
The deceased have been identified, including 26-year-old A.M. Navya, a software engineer from Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru, and 27-year-old Manasa, also a software professional from the same area.
Other victims include 22-year-old Rashmi Ratnakara Mahale, an IT professional from Shirali village, and 29-year-old Bindu along with her five-year-old daughter Greya, both from Bengaluru.
The truck driver, identified as Kuldeep Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, was also among the casualties.
Five bodies were recovered from the bus, which was completely destroyed by the fire, while one body was found in the container truck, bringing the total to six.
In total, 32 individuals were on board the bus, including the driver and conductor.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at Gorlattu Cross on National Highway 48 when the container truck, reportedly out of control, crossed the divider and collided with the bus.
Inspector General of Police (East) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda stated that the truck likely struck the bus's fuel tank, causing a fire that engulfed the vehicle.
"Some passengers managed to escape, but those who were asleep were trapped inside," he noted.
In response to the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
An investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the accident and to implement necessary measures.