Tragic Road Accident in Karnataka's Chitradurga: At Least 9 Dead After Sleeper Bus Catches Fire in Head-On Collision

In a devastating early-morning incident on December 25, 2025, at least nine people lost their lives when a private sleeper bus operated by Seabird Tourist (also referred to as Seabird Coach) collided with a container truck on National Highway-48 near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district, Karnataka.

The crash, which occurred around 2 a.m., triggered an immediate fire that engulfed the bus, trapping many sleeping passengers inside.

HOW MANY MORE?
Another bus fire tragedy claims 12 lives this time in Karnataka. At least 12 passengers were charred to death and more than 20 others sustained severe burn injuries after a private bus caught fire near Hiriyur in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. According to… pic.twitter.com/BxyAp0V821

— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) December 25, 2025

The bus, carrying 32 passengers, was en route from Bengaluru to the coastal town of Gokarna (some reports mention Shivamogga as an intermediate or final destination). According to preliminary police investigations, the container truck, traveling in the opposite direction, lost control, crossed the median, and struck the bus head-on. The impact reportedly occurred near the bus's diesel tank, causing fuel to leak and ignite instantly, resulting in massive flames and thick smoke.

East Zone Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda confirmed that eight bus passengers and the truck driver perished in the collision and ensuing blaze. "At around 2 a.m., a bus traveling from Bengaluru to Gokarna was rammed by a container lorry. The lorry climbed the divider and hit the diesel tank of the bus, which leaked and caught fire," he stated. Authorities noted that several bodies were charred beyond recognition, with DNA testing underway to aid identification. The death toll may be subject to revision as recovery operations continue.

Eyewitness accounts described a harrowing scene. One survivor, Aditya, recounted the panic: "The door could not be opened. We had to break the window glass to scramble out while fire was spreading everywhere." Another witness, Sachin, who was traveling in a nearby vehicle, said the bus had just overtaken them moments before the truck jumped the divider and collided near the diesel tank area.

The bus driver, cleaner, and conductor managed to escape unharmed. A nearby bus also avoided involvement in the crash.

Emergency services responded swiftly, shifting survivors to hospitals in Hiriyur and nearby areas such as Sira and Tumakuru. Reports indicate that around 21 passengers sustained injuries, including severe burns, with 12 receiving treatment for minor injuries and others transferred for specialized care.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and condolences. President Droupadi Murmu expressed profound sorrow in a post on X, stating she was "deeply pained by the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which has led to the loss of lives."

Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the mechanical condition of the truck and possible factors such as driver fatigue or negligence. Rescue teams continue to clear the wreckage from the highway, and families of the victims face the difficult task of identifying their loved ones.

This tragedy underscores the persistent challenges of road safety on India's national highways, particularly during overnight travel. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.