At least 40 people have died in a bus crash in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state Wednesday after their vehicle collided with a roadside barrier and burst into flames.
Local police said most of the victims were burned to death in the fire. The driver and about five others escaped through a window.
Reports said the other passengers may have been asleep when the crash occurred, and failed to find an escape route in time.
The bus, which rammed into an oil tanker, was travelling from Bangalore city to Hyderabad.
Relatives of the victims queued outside the shop of the tour operator 'Jabber Travels' to enquire about their loved ones.
The manager of Jabber Travels, Imtiaz, said that bursting of the diesel tank was the reason behind the accident.
“At around 5:30 am the diesel tank burst out. We haven't received full information. We have been told that diesel tank was the reason behind the accident… [A] detailed enquiry is going on and we will disclose the details after the enquiry is done,” said Imtiaz.
The injured passengers were admitted to a nearby hospital. India has an exceptionally high road death toll, a fact generally attributed to reckless driving and poorly maintained roads.
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