Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu: A horrific tragedy unfolded on the Bengaluru-Krishnagiri national highway in the pre-dawn hours of today, when a private sleeper bus carrying 40 passengers became a raging inferno after a collision. At least 12 people are confirmed dead in the incident, which occurred near the Krishnagiri toll plaza, with several others suffering severe burn injuries.
How the Krishnagiri Bus Fire Unfolded
According to preliminary reports, the Bengaluru-bound bus, which began its journey from Chennai, collided with a motorcycle allegedly attempting to cross the highway at approximately 4:30 AM. The force of the impact dragged the bike underneath the bus. Eyewitnesses reported that sparks from the friction likely ignited the bus’s fuel tank, causing the vehicle to be engulfed in flames within moments.
With most passengers asleep, the sudden fire created chaos and panic. Passengers had little time to escape the rapidly filling smoke and flames. Local villagers and commuters were the first to rush to the scene, breaking windows to help pull trapped individuals to safety before emergency services could arrive.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Multiple units from Fire and Rescue Services, along with ambulances and police teams, were immediately dispatched to the accident site. Firefighters battled the intense blaze for over an hour before it was extinguished, leaving behind the charred skeleton of the bus.
A senior police official at the scene told NextMinuteNews, “Our priority is the ongoing rescue and relief operation. The injured have been rushed to Krishnagiri Government Hospital and other nearby medical centers. We have confirmed 12 fatalities, but we fear that number may rise as search operations in the wreckage continue.”
The process of identifying the deceased has been challenging due to the severity of the burns. Authorities have established a special helpline for families seeking information about passengers on the bus: 1800-425-1199.
‘A Scene from a Nightmare’: Eyewitnesses Recount Horror
Survivors and witnesses have described the terrifying moments of the bus fire.
“It was like a scene from a nightmare,” said a truck driver who saw the accident. “I heard a loud bang, and then the whole bus just erupted in flames. The screams were terrifying. We tried to help, but the heat was unbearable.”
One survivor, being treated for minor injuries, recounted the ordeal from inside. “I was jolted awake by a huge thud. Before I knew what was happening, thick black smoke was everywhere. People were screaming. I managed to crawl towards a broken window and jump out. I am incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Investigation Launched, Government Announces Compensation
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s office has expressed its deepest condolences to the victims’ families. An ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh has been announced for the next of kin of the deceased, with ₹1 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries.
A formal investigation has been launched into the cause of the Krishnagiri bus accident. Authorities are examining factors such as the bus’s speed, potential mechanical failures, and the circumstances of the collision with the bike.
Stay with NextMinuteNews for the latest live updates on this developing story.
