Karnataka bus accident: Minister attributes fire to truck hitting bus near fuel tank

Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the primary reason for a collision involving a truck and a private luxury sleeper bus on National Highway 48 triggering a fire was that the impact was likely near the diesel tank of the bus.

“Initial investigation by the local police has revealed that the fire was caused because the truck hit the bus exactly near the fuel tank. However, an elaborate investigation will reveal the exact reason behind the accident,” he told The Hindu on December 25.

As many as five persons died after the container truck hit the luxury sleeper bus on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district of Karnataka early on December 25. The bus, which was on its way from Bengaluru to Gokarna, was engulfed in flames following the collision, and most of the deceased were reportedly burnt alive inside the vehicle.

The bus driver and his assistant managed to get out of the burning vehicle while the truck driver was among those killed.

Elaborating on the circumstances leading to the accident, Mr. Reddy said there was no fault on the part of the bus driver. According to preliminary findings, the container truck crossed the median and collided with the oncoming bus. “The bus caught fire immediately because the impact was near the fuel tank. The truck driver might have been driving rashly or may have dozed off, as the accident occurred late at night,” the Minister said.

Responding to concerns over a spate of similar accidents reported in different parts of India in recent months, Mr. Reddy said that the cause in this case appeared clear. “Here, the collision itself and the manner in which the truck came from the opposite side indicate that the truck driver was likely at fault. The bus was otherwise safe,” he said.

He added that both the Transport Department and the police have been regularly conducting awareness programmes for bus and truck drivers, with a special focus on the risks associated with rash driving and fatigue during night-time travel.

He further said senior officials have been directed to personally assess the situation. Transport Commissioner Yogeshwar and Assistant Commissioner Omkareshwari have been told to visit the accident site, conduct a spot inspection, and submit a detailed report to the government of Karnataka.

“We broadly know the cause of the accident, but we will conduct an in-depth investigation,” he said.

Mr. Reddy clarified that the documents of the private sleeper bus were in order. “We have checked the permit, insurance and licence. Everything is valid,” he said.

In the wake of the accident involving a Bengaluru-bound private sleeper in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, in October that claimed 19 lives, the Karnataka government had issued a circular mandating enhanced safety measures in passenger buses, including an additional emergency exit door and more fire extinguishers, for both private and State-run operators.