The death toll in the bus tragedy in Chitradurga, Karnataka, has risen to seven after the bus driver passed away due to injuries sustained in the accident. The incident occurred when a sleeper coach bus collided with a container truck, resulting in six fatalities from burns and injuries to 21 others. The bus driver, Mohammad Rafeeq, underwent surgery but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Mohammad Rafeeq, the bus driver, recounted the tragic event from his hospital bed, stating that a speeding truck crashed into his bus, leading to the collision. One of the passengers, Manjunath, is in critical condition with 30% burns and is receiving treatment at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. Authorities are conducting DNA tests on charred bodies for identification before releasing them to families.
The victims of the accident have been identified, including software professionals A.M. Navya and Manasa, along with IT professional Rashmi Ratnakara Mahale. Among the deceased are Bindu and her daughter Greya, as well as the truck driver, Kuldeep Yadav. The incident, which involved a total of 32 passengers, occurred on National Highway 48 in the early hours of the morning.
Inspector General of Police B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda explained that the bus was hit by a container truck that crossed the divider, leading to a fuel tank rupture and subsequent fire. While some passengers managed to escape, others were trapped inside due to the fire. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured, promising a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
