Karnataka Bus Tragedy: Sleeper Bus Engulfed in Flames on NH-48, Several Feared Dead

Chitradurga, Karnataka: A tragic bus fire incident was reported in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district in the early hours of Wednesday when a private sleeper bus caught fire following a collision with a heavy vehicle on National Highway-48. The bus, which was en route from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, reportedly collided with a truck, after which it burst into flames within minutes, leaving passengers little time to escape. Several passengers were feared dead, while many others sustained serious burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fire and rescue teams, along with police personnel, reached the spot and carried out rescue and recovery operations. The Karnataka government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, while senior officials and political leaders expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the victims’ families. The exact death toll is yet to be officially confirmed as identification and investigation processes continue.