Sri Lanka, Dec. 25 -- A horrific road accident on National Highway-48 in Chitradurga in India's Karnataka has left at least 17 people feared dead after a private sleeper coach bus caught fire following a collision with a lorry.

The incident occurred at Gorlathu Cross in Hiriyur taluk during the early hours of today, according to police officials.

The private sleeper bus, which was travelling on a long-distance route, reportedly collided with a lorry under circumstances that are still being investigated. Following the impact, the bus burst into flames, rapidly engulfing the vehicle and trapping several passengers inside. Many occupants were asleep at the time of the crash, reducing their chances of escaping before the fire spread.

Polic...