Karnataka bus accident: CM and PM announce ex-gratia

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.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said he was deeply shocked by the tragic accident. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the Karnataka government to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told The Hindu that Transport Commissioner Yogeshwar and Assistant Commissioner Omkareshwari have been directed to visit the accident site, and conduct a spot inspection to assess the situation and submit a detailed report.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the truck-bus collision. The injured would be given ₹50,000 each, the Prime Minister said. In a post on X, Mr. Modi said he was saddened by the loss of lives due to the accident, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured persons.

President Droupadi Murmu extended her condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “Deeply pained by the tragic bus fire incident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, which has led to the loss of lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” Ms. Murmu said in a post on X.