NEED TO KNOW
- A passenger bus in India caught fire following a collision with a motorcycle, killing at least 25 people on Friday, Oct. 24
- Authorities said it only took minutes for the bus, which was carrying 44 people, to become engulfed in flames, per the Associated Press
- The rider of the motorcycle also died in the incident, per the AP and BBC
At least 25 people have died and several others have been injured after a bus caught fire following a collision with a motorcycle on a highway in India.
Multiple people became trapped in the burning bus following the Friday, Oct. 24, incident on a road in Andhra Pradesh in southern India, according to the Associated Press.
The BBC reported that the motorcycle was trapped under the bus which caused its fuel tank to rupture, triggering an explosion.
Senior police official Vikrant Patil told the AP that it only took minutes for the bus to become engulfed in flames. He said the bus was struck from behind by he motorcycle was then dragged for some distance before the fire was ignited.
While some were able to escape by smashing windows and jumping out of the vehicle, which was carrying 44 passengers, others were fatally burned, the officer said.
Security forces inspect the bus.
Kurnool Police/Anadolu via Getty
PEOPLE has contacted the Telangana State Police for comment.
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“As the smoke started spreading, the driver stopped the bus and tried to put the fire out by using a fire extinguisher, but the fire was so intense he couldn’t control it,” Patil said, per the AP.
According to the outlet, the rider of the motorcycle also died, while many of the passengers were asleep at the time of the incident.
“So far, 19 bodies have been recovered,” senior police officer Koya Praveen told news agency PTI, per the BBC.
The bus driver reportedly fled the scene, per the outlet.
Paying tribute to those who died, President of India Droupadi Murmu wrote on X, “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
