A devastating road accident on National Highway 48 at Gorlathu Cross in Hiriyur taluk of Chitradurga district left at least 17 people feared dead after a private sleeper coach bus caught fire following a head-on collision with a lorry, police officials said on Thursday.
According to preliminary reports, a lorry travelling from Hiriyur toward Bengaluru allegedly crossed the central divider and crashed into a Bengaluru–Shivamogga bound sleeper bus coming from the opposite direction. The impact of the collision caused the bus to burst into flames in the middle of the highway, leaving several passengers trapped inside.
Authorities said the exact number of casualties will be confirmed after a formal audit. Many passengers who managed to escape sustained severe burn injuries and multiple fractures. They were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Early investigations suggest negligence on the part of the lorry driver. The collision was so severe that the bus was completely gutted in the blaze, making rescue operations extremely challenging for emergency responders.
Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith visited the accident site and is personally monitoring the investigation. A case has been registered at Hiriyur Rural Police Station, and a detailed inquiry is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution on the highway as further assessments and clearance operations continue.