Delhi, 25 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep anguish over a devastating head-on collision on National Highway 48 near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk, where a private sleeper bus from Bengaluru to Shivamogga or Gokarna burst into flames, claiming nine lives amid burns and entrapment early Thursday morning.

The tragedy unfolded around 2 a.m. when a lorry, allegedly due to driver drowsiness, breached the central divider and rammed the bus carrying 32 passengers, igniting a ferocious blaze that gutted the vehicle. Fire brigades and police swiftly mounted rescue operations, freeing survivors while 21 injured, many with severe burns, received care at hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru's Shira; the lorry driver died instantly, but the bus driver and cleaner escaped unscathe.

In a compassionate X post from @PMOIndia, PM Modi stated: Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

This assistance from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund underscores immediate support for bereaved families and the wounded on this Christmas Day.

Chitradurga Superintendent of Police Ranjith Kumar Bandaru and Inspector General B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda supervised the site, registering a case at Hiriyur Rural Police Station under preliminary findings of negligence; authorities anticipate a detailed probe amid fears the toll may climb with critically injured patients under watch.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar