The early hours of Wednesday turned tragic on a busy stretch of National Highway-48 in Karnataka, when a luxury private bus travelling overnight was involved in a catastrophic collision. Most passengers were asleep, unaware that within moments their routine journey would transform into a horrifying fight for survival. The silence of the highway was shattered by the impact, followed almost immediately by flames that engulfed the vehicle.
Survivors and witnesses later described scenes of chaos, panic and desperation as fire spread rapidly through the bus. The incident has once again raised urgent questions about highway safety, night-time driving risks and the devastating consequences of overspeeding heavy vehicles.
At the centre of this tragedy is the bus driver, still recovering in hospital, who recounted the terrifying seconds before the crash. His words paint a chilling picture of how quickly control can be lost on the road, even when caution is exercised.
Truck Hit Divider Before Crashing Into Bus
According to the bus driver, the truck involved in the accident was approaching from the opposite direction at a very high speed. He recalled seeing the vehicle veer dangerously before hitting the road divider. Within seconds, the truck crossed into the bus’s path, leaving almost no time to react.
The driver said he was maintaining a steady speed of around 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, a pace he considered safe for the highway at that hour. Despite attempting to steer away and control the bus, the sheer force and suddenness of the truck’s movement made the collision unavoidable.
The impact was severe, shaking the bus violently and triggering a chain of events that would soon prove fatal for several passengers onboard.
Impact On Fuel Tank Triggered Rapid Fire
The bus driver’s aide and cleaner later highlighted a critical detail that may explain why the fire spread so quickly. They stated that the truck slammed directly into the diesel fuel tank of the bus, causing it to rupture upon impact.
Once the fuel tank was damaged, diesel reportedly leaked and ignited almost instantly. The fire spread at an alarming pace, leaving sleeping passengers with little time to understand what was happening or find an escape route.
Officials investigating the incident have also pointed towards the damaged fuel tank as a likely reason for the intensity of the blaze, which engulfed the bus within moments of the crash.
Driver Recalls Helpless Moment Before Collision
Recounting the moment, the bus driver said he noticed the speeding truck approaching from the front and immediately tried to control his vehicle. He attempted to maintain balance and avoid the collision, even brushing past another vehicle travelling alongside the bus.
Despite these efforts, he said the situation unfolded too quickly. His memory fades after the impact, and he remains unsure how he was eventually rescued from the wreckage.
His statement underscores the unpredictability of highway accidents and how even experienced drivers can find themselves powerless when faced with reckless driving by others.
Passengers Trapped As Fire Spread Inside Bus
The collision occurred around 2 am, a time when most passengers were asleep after a long day of travel. The loud crash jolted them awake, but confusion quickly turned into terror as flames began spreading through the bus.
Several passengers found themselves trapped as smoke filled the cabin. Survivors described screams, panic and desperate attempts to free themselves as the fire intensified.
In some cases, jammed doors forced passengers to break window glass in order to escape. While a few managed to jump out in time, others were unable to flee before the fire consumed large portions of the bus.
Cleaner Thrown Out Through Glass Window
Mohammed Sadiq, the bus cleaner, shared his harrowing experience of the crash. He was asleep near the front of the bus when the impact occurred, instantly throwing him off balance.
The force of the collision shattered the glass, and he was flung out of the bus onto the road. This accidental ejection likely saved his life, as the bus burst into flames moments later.
Sadiq sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment, recovering from both physical wounds and the trauma of witnessing the deadly incident.
Eyewitness Accounts Echo Driver’s Version
People who witnessed the crash from nearby vehicles or roadside locations gave accounts similar to those of the driver and cleaner. They described the truck losing control, hitting the divider and slamming into the bus with immense force.
Eyewitnesses recalled seeing flames erupt almost immediately after the collision, leaving little time for rescue efforts. The intensity of the fire made it extremely difficult for bystanders to approach the bus.
These consistent accounts are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation into the exact sequence of events.
Police Point To Overspeeding As Key Factor
Senior police officials indicated that overspeeding by the truck appears to be a major factor behind the accident. Initial assessments suggest that the truck driver may have lost control due to excessive speed on the highway.
The impact on the diesel tank amplified the severity of the crash, turning what could have been a survivable collision into a fatal blaze.
Authorities are examining vehicle conditions, driver fatigue and possible violations of traffic norms as part of a detailed probe.
Death Toll And Survivor Rescue Efforts
The tragedy claimed at least five lives, all of whom were passengers on the bus. Several others sustained injuries, ranging from burns to fractures and shock.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and survivors were transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. Doctors continue to monitor those injured, some of whom remain in critical condition.
Officials noted that the quick response of emergency teams and the courage of some passengers helped prevent an even higher death toll.
Leaders Express Grief And Announce Aid
The incident has drawn strong reactions from national and state leaders. Karnataka’s Chief Minister described the accident as heartbreaking and ordered a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the families of those killed, as well as support for the injured.
These announcements aim to provide some relief to grieving families, even as they cope with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
Renewed Focus On Highway Safety
This devastating crash has once again highlighted the dangers of night-time travel and the critical need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, especially for heavy vehicles.
Experts emphasize that overspeeding, driver fatigue and inadequate safety mechanisms can turn highways into death traps within seconds.
As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of responsible driving and robust safety measures to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
Also Read: Rahul-Priyanka-Sachin Pilot Troika: Congress 2029 Plan?
