At least 20 people lost their lives after a bus caught fire while travelling through the western Indian state of Rajasthan on Tuesday, as reported by local media and officials.
The bus, carrying over 50 passengers, was en route between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur when the tragedy unfolded, according to agencies.
“Nineteen passengers perished on the bus, and one more died from burn injuries while being transported to Jodhpur,” said senior police officer Rajesh Meena said.
The Press Trust of India, which also confirmed the toll through a local lawmaker, reported that the bus stopped on the highway after smoke began to emerge from the back.
“The driver halted the bus by the roadside, but within moments, flames engulfed the vehicle,” the report added.
The incident took place shortly after the bus departed Jaisalmer around 3:00 pm (0930 GMT), according to the accounts.
Local broadcaster NDTV, quoting unnamed police officials, suggested that a short circuit might have triggered the fire.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the loss of life and offered his prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Modi also announced that 200,000 rupees ($2,252.5) would be given as compensation to the families of the victims from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while those injured would receive 50,000 rupees.
India, the world’s most populous nation, has a concerning road safety record.
In 2023, the latest available statistics show that more than 480,000 accidents occurred on Indian roads, leading to nearly 173,000 deaths and close to 463,000 injuries.
