New Delhi, Dec 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief on Thursday over the loss of lives in a horrific road accident in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district.
In the early hours of following day, a private sleeper bus collided with a truck on National Highway 48, leading to a massive fire that claimed at least 10 lives.
The Prime Minister shared his sympathies with the affected families and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.
The Prime Minister has sanctioned immediate financial relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the victims and their families including Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured.
As per initial reports the accident occurred around 2:30 am near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk when a truck heading toward Bengaluru reportedly jumped the road divider and crashed head-on into a private sleeper bus traveling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga.
The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames almost instantly. Since the accident happened in the middle of the night, most of the 32 passengers on board were asleep, making it difficult for many to escape. While nearly nine passengers managed to jump out of the burning vehicle.
PM Modi condoles deaths in Chitradurga bus accident; announces ex-gratia for victims
