Six Dead as Truck Collides With Bengaluru-Gokarna Sleeper Bus in Chitradurga

At least six people, including a five-year-old child, were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a horrific road accident in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district in the early hours of December 25, 2025. The tragedy occurred around 2 a.m. near Javanagondanahalli village when a speeding container truck allegedly lost control, jumped the median divider, and collided head-on with an oncoming private luxury sleeper bus travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna. Most passengers on the bus were asleep at the time of the impact, which caused the vehicle to catch fire, severely hampering rescue efforts and exacerbating the casualties.

The bus, carrying 33 people including the driver and assistant, was engulfed in flames following the collision, trapping several occupants inside. Emergency services, including local police, fire tenders, and multiple ambulances, rushed to the scene to douse the fire and extricate the injured. The deceased included passengers from the sleeper bus, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in Chitradurga and surrounding areas, with some reported to be in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest that excessive speed and possible driver fatigue on the part of the truck driver may have contributed to the accident, though a detailed probe is ongoing.

The accident has once again highlighted the persistent issue of road safety on Karnataka’s highways, particularly during night travel when visibility is low and heavy vehicles often operate at high speeds. Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the exact cause, including whether the truck driver was under the influence or if mechanical failure played a role. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and local police have urged drivers to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and ensure adequate rest before long-haul journeys.

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Condolences poured in from across the country following the tragedy. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia payments for the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured and swift support for the bereaved families. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety norms and improved highway infrastructure to prevent such devastating crashes in the future.

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