National Highway Horror: 11 Killed as Bus Burns After Head-on Collision in Karnataka.

Chitradurga NH-48 Crash: 11 Dead, Several Injured.

A tragic road accident turned Christmas morning into a scene of horror in Karnataka, killing at least 11 people after a speeding container truck jumped the divider and slammed into a private sleeper bus on National Highway 48 near Gorlathu village in Chitradurga in the early hours of December 25, 2025. The violent collision ruptured the bus’s fuel tank, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes, leaving several passengers trapped and burnt alive.

The Seabird Coach bus, carrying 32 passengers from Bengaluru to Shivamogga and Gokarna, was reduced to ashes. Nine passengers escaped unhurt, while others sustained severe injuries and were shifted to hospitals in Hiriyur, Chitradurga, and Shira. The bus driver and cleaner survived, but the truck driver and cleaner were among the dead.

A major tragedy was narrowly averted when a second bus carrying 45–48 schoolchildren escaped the blaze after its driver swerved away just in time. All children are safe.

The incident has drawn condolences from the President, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The PM announced Rs.2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of the deceased and Rs.50,000 for the injured, while the Karnataka government announced Rs.5 lakh compensation per deceased and ordered a detailed probe.

The horrific crash once again highlights the deadly risks of speeding and highway safety failures, turning a day of celebration into one of mourning across Karnataka.