Chitradurga Bus Driver Recounts Horror: "Speed Was 60-70 Kmph" Before Fatal Fire

• A Seabird bus accident in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on December 25, killed nearly 10 people after catching fire following a collision with a container lorry.
• Bus driver Mohammad Rafi, injured, claims he was driving at 60-70 kmph when the container lorry lost control, jumped the divider, and rammed into his bus.
• The collision ignited the diesel tank, causing a rapid fire that gave passengers little time to react; Rafi believes moderate speed saved 20 lives.
• Another minibus carrying 40 students to Dandeli narrowly escaped, as the container lorry hit the Seabird bus moments after a minor side collision with their bus.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced Rs. 5 lakh compensation for deceased families and Rs. 50,000 for the injured; helpline numbers are available.

Why It Matters: Chitradurga bus driver recounts fatal accident, claiming moderate speed despite tragic loss of lives.