On December 25 early morning, a tragic accident occurred in Chitradurga district when a container truck rammed into a private sleeper bus on National Highway 48 near Hiriyur. The bus, travelling from Bengaluru to Gokarna via Shivamogga, caught fire, killing several passengers. Some escaped by jumping out. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh to each family of the deceased and ₹50,000 to each injured person. "I had sought details from the officials concerned and directed them to extend all possible assistance to the victims," he said on X (formerly Twitter). Siddaramaiah described the accident as heartbreaking. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar offered condolences and prayed for a quick recovery of the injured. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy expressed shock and urged proper treatment for the injured. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said officials would inspect the accident site and report back. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund for each deceased’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured. He tweeted his sorrow and wished speedy recovery for the victims. President Droupadi Murmu also extended condolences and prayed for the injured’s recovery. An investigation is underway to find the accident's cause.