Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the deadly fire after a truck and luxury sleeper bus crashed on National Highway 48 was because the impact hit near the bus’s diesel tank. "Initial investigation by the local police has revealed that the fire was caused because the truck hit the bus exactly near the fuel tank. However, an elaborate investigation will reveal the exact reason behind the accident," he told The Hindu on December 25. Five people died when the container truck smashed into the bus near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district early on December 25. The bus was traveling from Bengaluru to Gokarna. The collision caused the bus to catch fire, burning most victims inside. The bus driver and helper escaped, but the truck driver died in the crash. Mr. Reddy cleared the bus driver of any fault. Preliminary reports say the truck crossed the median and hit the bus head-on. "The bus caught fire immediately because the impact was near the fuel tank. The truck driver might have been driving rashly or may have dozed off, as the accident occurred late at night," the Minister said. On similar road accidents reported recently across India, Mr. Reddy said this one clearly pointed to the truck driver’s fault. "Here, the collision itself and the manner in which the truck came from the opposite side indicate that the truck driver was likely at fault. The bus was otherwise safe," he said. He added that the Transport Department and police run awareness programs on the dangers of rash driving and night fatigue. Senior officials Transport Commissioner Yogeshwar and Assistant Commissioner Omkareshwari will visit the site to inspect and report to the Karnataka government. "We broadly know the cause of the accident, but we will conduct an in-depth investigation," Mr. Reddy said. He confirmed the private bus had all valid permits, insurance, and license. After a similar deadly sleeper bus accident in Andhra Pradesh in October claiming 19 lives, Karnataka had ordered stricter safety rules, including extra emergency exits and more fire extinguishers on all passenger buses.