Bus Fire in Southern India Kills 25, Leaves Dozens Injured
A passenger bus carrying 44 people was engulfed in flames after a motorcycle crashed into it early Friday, killing at least 25 people and leaving several others injured in southern India. The fire spread rapidly, trapping many passengers as the bus sped along a highway near Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh state. The accident occurred around 210 kilometers south of Hyderabad, where the bus was traveling from. As the smoke spread, the driver attempted to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher, but it was too intense to control.
Key Takeaways:
- The bus fire occurred on a highway near Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh state, killing at least 25 people and injuring several others.
- A motorcycle crashed into the bus from behind, causing sparks that engulfed the fuel tank and set the bus ablaze.
- Some passengers managed to escape by smashing open windows and leaping to safety, while others died in the blaze before help could reach them.
- The bus was traveling between Hyderabad and Bengaluru with 44 passengers on board.
- Most passengers were asleep at the time of the accident.
- Forensic experts are investigating the cause of the deadly bus fire.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh's highest elected official, N. Chandrababu Naidu, offered condolences to the bereaved families.
- A similar bus fire occurred on the same highway 12 years ago, resulting in at least 45 deaths.
- A suspected short circuit sparked a fire on a passenger bus in Rajasthan, killing at least 20 people in a separate incident.
Statistics:
- At least 25 people killed in the bus fire.
- Several others injured in the incident.
- 44 passengers on board the bus at the time of the accident.
- The bus was traveling 210 kilometers south of Hyderabad.
- The bus fire left dozens of passengers trapped.
- At least 20 people killed in a separate bus fire in Rajasthan due to a suspected short circuit.
- A bus fire on the same highway 12 years ago resulted in at least 45 deaths.
Sources:
- AP news agency (India)
- Press Trust of India news agency