Chitradurga Bus Accident: What Did Driver Rafiq See Moments Before the NH-48 Crash?

At least 20 passengers died when a private sleeper bus collided head-on with a container truck near Hiriyur on National Highway 48 on 19 December, sparking a massive fire. For Rafiq, the bus driver, the moments leading up to the crash are still a blur.

"The truck came from the other side of the road divider and hit. It was overspeeding. I was maintaining the speed of 60-70 km/hr at that time. I saw the vehicle coming from the front... after that, I don't know what happened or how I was brought out," Rafiq told PTI from his hospital bed.

Rafiq said he tried to steer the bus away from the oncoming truck, but the traffic and narrow space left him with almost no options. "I tried to control the bus on seeing the vehicle approaching. My bus even touched another vehicle next to us; I don't know what vehicle it was. But I couldn't control it," he added.

Bus cleaner Mohammed Sadiq, who suffered minor injuries, recalled being thrown from the bus by the force of the collision. "I was in the front of the bus and asleep when the accident occurred. The truck directly hit the diesel tank. I was thrown out, breaking the glass of the bus," Sadiq said, as he continues to recover in hospital.

Horrific Impact and Fire

Officials said the impact near the diesel tank caused flames to spread rapidly, trapping passengers, many of whom were asleep in their berths. Survivors described the scene as chaotic, with screams and smoke filling the bus. Rescue teams, police, and fire services worked to evacuate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The Journey That Ended in Tragedy

Most victims were travelling from Bengaluru to coastal destinations like Gokarna for the Christmas holidays. Investigators are examining vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver conduct. CCTV footage and witness statements, including those of Rafiq and Sadiq, are being collected to reconstruct the events.

Political Response
Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar expressed condolences on X (formerly Twitter): "The news of the accident near Hiriyur, resulting in several people being burned alive, is a severe shock. I pray for the recovery of the injured and hope such tragedies never recur."

CM Siddaramaiah also called for a thorough investigation: "It is heartbreaking that the journey of those heading home for Christmas ended in such a tragedy. A detailed probe should uncover the cause. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones."