A devastating collision between a container truck and a passenger bus on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, has resulted in the deaths of six people, including a 5-year-old girl. The accident, which occurred early Thursday morning, also left 28 others injured.

The bus, carrying 32 passengers, was en route from Bengaluru to Gokarna when the truck, reportedly speeding, jumped the road divider and collided head-on with the bus. The impact of the collision ignited a fire that quickly engulfed the bus, trapping many passengers inside.

Emergency services, including fire tenders, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and police, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze and recover bodies from the charred remains of the bus. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, and Sira in Tumakuru district. At least three individuals with critical burn injuries were admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru.

Among the deceased are Bindu V, her daughter Grema, Manasa, Navya, Rashmi Mahale, and the truck driver, who is said to be a native of Uttar Pradesh. The victims were traveling from Bengaluru to Gokarna.

According to preliminary investigations, the accident was caused by the negligence of the truck driver, identified as Kuldeep, who also died in the crash. The driver of the bus, Rafiq, reported that the truck was traveling at a high speed and that he attempted to steer away from the oncoming vehicle but was unable to avoid the collision. Rafiq, along with the bus conductor, managed to escape the inferno, but many passengers were trapped and burned alive.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed grief over the tragic loss of life and has ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. He stated that the cause of the accident will be determined and that the government will take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Chief Minister also offered condolences to the families of the deceased.

State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy noted that the transport and police departments have been conducting awareness programs regarding the risks of rash driving and fatigue during night travel.

The accident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules. Authorities are clearing the wreckage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.