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A road accident In Indiasouthern states of Karnataka At least 10 people were killed on Wednesday when a passenger bus collided with a truck and caught fire, officials said.
Officials said the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing.
The accident occurred near Gorlathu village in Chitradurga area when the bus, which was heading from state capital Bengaluru to Shivamogga, was hit by a truck, which had reportedly hit the road divider.
Many passengers were traveling to coastal destinations such as Gokarna, with many believed to be returning home for the Christmas holidays.
The impact of the collision caused the bus to instantly catch fire, trapping many passengers inside.
Police said some victims were unable to escape and were burnt alive, while some managed to get out soon after the accident.
Senior police officer Ravikant Gowda said there were 32 passengers on board the bus and at least nine escaped without injury.
According to preliminary findings, the bus driver and his assistant survived, but the truck driver and the cleaner both died.
One of the survivors said, “We broke the glass and tried to escape. People were screaming at that time. Some tried to save others, but the fire was spreading rapidly, making rescue difficult.” Hindustan Times,
Citing preliminary information, investigators said the accident probably occurred after the truck got stuck in a road divider into oncoming traffic. Rescue teams worked for hours to extinguish the flames and remove the charred remains of the bus from the highway, disrupting traffic in the area, news agency PTI reported.
A second bus, carrying at least 45 school children from T Dasarahalli to Dandeli, was traveling right behind the accident vehicle but escaped the accident.
“Fortunately, the driver moved the bus to the other side of the road and no one was injured,” PTI quoted Mr Gowda as saying.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to an accident in Chitradurga district “Karnataka,” He said. “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured get well soon.”
He announced financial assistance of Rs 200,00 from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of each victim and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the accident as heartbreaking. “It’s sad that the journey of people going home for Christmas ended like this,” he said.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, he said a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.