Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased after several persons died in an accident in Chitradurga district in the early hours of December 25.
A container truck rammed into a private sleeper bus on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur, triggering a massive fire. The private bus going from Bengaluru to Gokarna via Shivamogga caught fire after being hit by the truck. Some passengers managed to save their lives by jumping out.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said ₹5 lakh would be provided to the families of each deceased, while the injured persons would receive ₹50,000 each. He stated that he had sought details from the officials concerned and directed them to extend all possible assistance to the victims. An investigation has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the accident, he added.
Expressing shock over the tragedy, Mr. Siddaramaiah described the incident as heartbreaking. “Hearing the tragic news of several passengers being burnt alive in the horrific accident between a lorry and a bus near Chitradurga has left hearts trembling,” he said in another post on X.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar conveyed his condolences to those who died and were injured in the accident. “I convey my condolences to those who have died. I pray that the injured recover soon. May such tragedies never recur,” Mr. Shivakumar said in a post on X.
