At least 19 people were killed and several others injured when a bus caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle on a highway in Andhra Pradesh early Friday.
According to reports, the motorcycle got trapped beneath the Bangalore-bound bus, rupturing its fuel tank and sparking a massive explosion. The vehicle, carrying around 40 passengers, was engulfed in flames within minutes.
Eyewitnesses said passengers screamed for help as locals rushed to rescue them. Some survivors managed to escape through the emergency exit window. The bus driver and cleaner fled the scene.
Authorities have launched an investigation into possible fuel leakage and negligent driving. Most passengers, who boarded from Hyderabad, were asleep when the fire broke out.
“So far, 19 bodies have been recovered,” said senior police officer Koya Praveen, adding that the motorcyclist was among the dead.
Forensic teams have been deployed to identify the victims, with DNA tests likely to be conducted.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences on X, calling the incident “unfortunate” and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
India continues to record one of the highest road accident fatalities globally, with around 180,000 deaths last year caused by speeding and reckless driving.
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