Karnataka: 9 killed as bus catches fire after collision with truck in Chitradurga

At least nine people were killed, including eight bus passengers and one truck driver, after a private bus caught fire after it collided with a truck in Karnataka's Chitradurga district on Thursday.

#WATCH | Karnataka | An accident took place between a lorry and a private bus near Gorlathu village in Chitradurga district on National Highway 48. More details awaited

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(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/r38wVVJ77r — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025

The bus was travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga when the accident occurred on National Highway-48 (NH-48).

Horrible accident Near Hiriyur along Bengaluru Hubballi highway, sleeper bus caught fire, 30+ feared dead! .#Busfire#chitradurga#karnataka#karnatakaNews#BusAccident#Hiriyurpic.twitter.com/J9wNxYIdYd — Unmai Kasakkum (@Unmai_Kasakkum) December 25, 2025

Videos on social media showed the bus, belonging to Seabird Coach, engulfed in fire as locals gathered near the accident site.

According to initial reports, the bus was involved in a collision with a container vehicle, following which it burst into flames. The fire spread rapidly, leaving several passengers trapped inside, according to a report by News18.

A total of 32 passengers were onboard the bus at the time of the collision. Nearly 20 people were rushed to hospitals as they suffered burn injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of those killed in the bus fire.

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… — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 25, 2025

In an X post following the accident, he also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.