Karnataka tragedy: Four bodies recovered from gutted bus

December 25, 2025

Chitradurga: At least five people died in a tragic road accident in Chitradurga district of Karnataka early Thursday morning. A passenger bus caught fire after colliding with a container truck, and four charred bodies were recovered from inside the bus. The truck driver’s body was also found at the scene.

According to the police, three bus passengers are still missing, although authorities hope they may be alive.

Search for Missing Passengers Continues

IGP (East) B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda said that a total of 32 people, including the driver and conductor, were on board the bus. Of these, 25 passengers are receiving treatment at various hospitals.

He said, “The deaths of four bus passengers and the truck driver have been confirmed. All the bodies are badly burnt and unidentifiable. They have been sent for DNA testing and post-mortem examination.”

Regarding the three missing passengers, he said that one person’s mobile phone is ringing but the call is not being answered, while the other two’s phones are switched off. “It is possible that their phones were lost in the accident. We hope they are safe,” he said.

Survivors Recount Horrific Experience

Isha’s mother, Nalini, a survivor of the accident, told the media in Bengaluru that her daughter was traveling in the rear berth of the bus. After the collision, the rear window of the bus broke, and Isha and some others jumped out.

Nalini said, “My daughter said that many passengers were trapped inside and were screaming for help. She was terrified by the sight of blood and sat down by the roadside. After that, the bus exploded.”

How the Accident Happened

According to the police, the accident occurred around 2 AM on National Highway-48 near Javanaigondanahalli village, near Goralattu Cross. A container truck coming from the opposite direction lost control, crossed the divider, and collided with the bus, causing the bus to catch fire. Truck driver Kuldeep also died in the accident. Several passengers managed to escape from the bus before it caught fire.

Leaders Express Condolences

Several leaders, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy, and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, have expressed their condolences over the accident. The Chief Minister has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.