Diesel tank blast behind fatal Chitradurga bus tragedy

Five young women died in the Chitradurga bus crash after a lorry hit the diesel tank, sparking fire. Seated above the tank, they couldn’t escape in time

A devastating bus accident near Javagondanahalli in Chitradurga district has revealed the grim circumstances that led to the deaths of five passengers. Out of 33 people on board, 28 managed to escape by jumping out as the bus caught fire, while five young women tragically lost their lives.

The victims were identified as Bindu, her daughter Grayya, Manasa, Navya, and Rashmi. All of them were seated in the section of the bus located above the diesel tank. The accident occurred when a container lorry coming from the Chitradurga side crossed the highway divider and collided directly with the bus’s diesel tank. The impact caused the tank to explode, igniting a fierce blaze that spread rapidly through the vehicle.

Passengers seated in the front and rear sections were able to break windows and jump out, saving themselves from the flames. However, those seated above the diesel tank had no time to react. The fire engulfed their section almost instantly, leaving them trapped.

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Among the deceased were Navya from Hassan district and her close friend Manasa. Both were software professionals living together in Bengaluru and working in the same company. Their families had planned their weddings for April next year, but the accident has united the childhood friends in death.

Several others sustained injuries, including Gagana, Rakshita, and Rashmi, who were travelling together on a holiday trip to Gokarna. They were among the survivors who managed to escape the burning bus.

The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of passengers seated near fuel tanks in sleeper buses, raising concerns about safety standards in long-distance travel. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine accountability and ensure stricter measures to prevent such accidents in the future.

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