Eyewitnesses have described scenes of sheer panic and desperate attempts to save lives after a horrific bus accident led to a massive fire in Karnataka's Haveri district. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the deaths of at least four people, with many others sustaining injuries.
Chilling Eyewitness Accounts of the Blaze
According to local reports and survivor testimonies, the private bus was traveling from Hubballi to Bengaluru when the driver reportedly lost control. The vehicle collided with a culvert on the outskirts of Guddada Budihal village in Hanagal taluk. The impact was severe, and the bus quickly caught fire, trapping many passengers inside.
"We heard a loud crash and then saw smoke billowing," recounted a villager who was among the first at the scene. "People were screaming for help. We rushed with whatever we could find—sticks, stones, even our bare hands—to try and break the windows. The heat was unbearable, but we kept trying to pull people out." Another eyewitness described the frantic efforts, stating that locals used water from nearby fields in a desperate bid to douse the flames before fire tenders arrived.
The Aftermath and Rescue Operation
The fire engulfed the bus rapidly, making rescue operations extremely challenging. Four individuals, including a woman, were confirmed dead at the scene. Several injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals in Haveri and Hubballi for emergency treatment. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest it may have originated from the bus's fuel tank or engine following the violent collision.
Police and fire department officials faced significant hurdles due to the intensity of the blaze. Once the fire was brought under control, the grim task of retrieving the bodies and clearing the wreckage began. The bus was almost completely charred, a stark visual testament to the ferocity of the fire.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities have launched a detailed probe into the circumstances leading to the accident and the subsequent fire. Officials are examining factors such as driver error, potential mechanical failure, and road conditions. The tragic event has once again raised serious questions about road safety and vehicle maintenance standards for private buses on long-distance routes.
The identities of the deceased have been recorded, and the process of informing their families is underway. The community in Hanagal taluk has been left in shock by the sudden tragedy. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of emergency preparedness and robust safety protocols in public transport.
