New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district that claimed at least 10 lives.

In a message posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, Modi conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the 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 said.

He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured would receive Rs 50,000.

The accident occurred early Thursday on National Highway 48 near Gorlathu village in Hiriyur taluk, when a private sleeper coach bus travelling from Bengaluru to Shivamogga collided with a lorry coming from the opposite direction.

The impact caused the bus to catch fire, leading to multiple fatalities. While several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals in Hiriyur and Chitradurga, nine others reportedly escaped unhurt.

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Police said the lorry may have crossed the divider, triggering the collision. Rescue operations are underway and further details are awaited. The cause of the accident is under investigation.