Horror on NH-48: 9 Dead as Private Sleeper Bus Bursts into Flames After Truck Collision
By Lions Roar News World Desk
KARNATAKA, INDIA (December 25, 2025) — A horrific road accident on National Highway 48 (NH-48) in Southern India has claimed the lives of at least nine people, with several others left fighting for their lives. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka when a private luxury bus collided with a truck and instantly ignited.
The bus, which was traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga, was carrying dozens of passengers when the fatal crash unfolded around 2:30 a.m.
💥 The Collision: A Midnight Inferno
According to preliminary investigations by local authorities, the accident was triggered when a truck traveling in the opposite direction lost control.
- The Cause: The truck reportedly jumped over the road divider, veered into the oncoming lane, and slammed head-on into the private sleeper bus.
- The Fire: The impact was so severe that it caused an immediate fuel leak, followed by a massive blaze that engulfed both vehicles within minutes.
- The Victims: Most of the deceased were passengers in the sleeper compartments who were unable to escape the rapidly spreading flames.
“The bus was hit by a truck coming from the other side after it reportedly jumped the divider. Preliminary findings suggest the bus swerved before being engulfed in flames,” a police spokesperson confirmed to international media.
🏥 Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Emergency services and local villagers rushed to the scene to assist in dousing the fire and pulling survivors from the wreckage.
- Death Toll: At least nine people have been confirmed dead.
- Injuries: Dozens of others have been rushed to nearby hospitals with severe burns and impact-related injuries.
- Investigation: Authorities have cordoned off the section of the NH-48 highway as they work to clear the charred remains of the vehicles and finalize the identification of the victims.
