At least 22 people were killed in the early hours of Christmas, and six were burned alive after a speeding truck rammed into a luxury sleeper bus in Chitradurga district of Karnataka, news agency IANS reported, citing a senior police officer. The impact was so severe that the bus caught fire, turning the crash deadly within minutes.
The bus, carrying 32 passengers and heading to Gokarna, was engulfed in flames after the collision. Most of those who died were trapped inside and were burnt alive, East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda told the news agency.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the PMO said, “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.”
The PMO also announced financial assistance, saying, “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM”.
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
According to Gowda, the accident occurred when the truck jumped the road divider and crashed into the oncoming bus. He shared these details while speaking to reporters at the site.
The bus driver and cleaner managed to escape the fire. However, the truck driver and his cleaner were among those who lost their lives. The injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Shira in Tumakuru district for treatment, Gowda added.
Chitradurga, Karnataka | An accident took place between a lorry and a private bus near Gorlathu village on National Highway 48.
IGP Dr BR Ravikante Gowda says, "A seabird bus was going to Gokarna. A fuel tanker truck rammed the bus by jumping over the divider. As per… https://t.co/aTrDHKnYD9 pic.twitter.com/KRDJQuVZHV
— ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2025
Many passengers survived by jumping out of the bus moments after the crash, he said. Their quick action helped save several lives despite the intensity of the fire.
School bus narrowly escapes
Another bus travelling from T Dasrahalli to Dandeli and carrying 45 schoolchildren was following the ill-fated bus but narrowly avoided the accident, PTI reported.
“Thankfully the driver of the bus carrying schoolchildren drove on the other side and no one was hurt.”
Police said at least two passengers suffered serious injuries in the crash.
Police begin investigation
Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith visited the accident spot and is monitoring the investigation. A case has been registered at the Hiriyur Rural Police Station, and further inquiries are under way to understand exactly how the accident unfolded.
Traffic on the busy National Highway 48 remained disrupted for several hours as rescue teams cleared the wreckage and carried out emergency and recovery operations.