Divider-Jumping Container Kills 9 in Chitradurga; School Bus With 48 Students Spared

Providing details, Dr B R Ravikante Gowda, Inspector General of Police, said preliminary investigation indicates that the container crossed the median and crashed into the bus, causing both vehicles to catch fire.

“As per preliminary information, eight passengers from the bus and the container driver have died, taking the total death toll to nine. A few passengers managed to escape with injuries,” the IGP said.

Passengers, Injuries and Rescue

According to police, there were 32 people on board the sleeper bus, including the driver and conductor.
Several passengers sustained injuries, and one critically injured person with nearly 20 per cent burn injuries has been referred to Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru for advanced treatment.

Emergency services rushed to the spot, and rescue teams worked amid intense flames and smoke to pull survivors to safety. Further investigation into the exact cause of the accident is underway.

A Narrow Escape That Saved 48 Young Lives

Amid the devastation, the tragedy was marked by a remarkable escape that likely saved dozens of young lives.

A school bus travelling parallel from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, carrying 48 students, also collided with the already-burnt private bus moments after the crash.
Miraculously, none of the children were injured.

Police said the school bus driver, who witnessed the entire sequence of events, acted swiftly and ensured the children’s safety. His statement is being recorded as he is a key eyewitness to the incident.

For anxious parents and teachers, the news that all 48 students walked away unharmed brought a moment of relief in an otherwise heart-breaking tragedy.

PM Announces Ex-Gratia

Expressing deep sorrow, Narendra Modi announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

“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. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 to the injured,” the Prime Minister said.

Karnataka CM Announces Higher Compensation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced enhanced compensation from the state government.

“In the tragic accident in Chitradurga, ₹5 lakh compensation will be given to the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 to the injured. I pray that the injured recover soon and the departed souls rest in peace,” the Chief Minister said.

Police and district authorities continue recovery operations and investigations, even as the state grapples with yet another reminder of the deadly consequences of highway accidents — and the fragile line between tragedy and survival.

Minister’s Reaction

Reacting to the tragedy, Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka Minister for Transport and Muzrai, expressed deep shock and grief.

“I am deeply saddened to learn that more than 11 people have reportedly lost their lives in the early-morning accident between a private bus and a lorry near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district. Preliminary reports indicate that a speeding lorry crossed the road median and rammed into the bus, causing this tragic incident,” the minister said.

He added that Transport Commissioner Yogeshwar and Assistant Commissioner Omkareshwari have been directed to visit the accident site and conduct a detailed inspection.

“I pray for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense loss. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Ramalinga Reddy said.

Police have registered a case and further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.