Deadly Bus Inferno Claims 20 Lives in Southern India

A private bus crash in southern India turned deadly when fuel leaked and caught fire after the vehicle collided with a motorcycle on the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway. At least 20 people died in the blaze, while 21 of the 41 passengers were rescued, according to local officials.

The accident happened on Friday on one of India's major interstate routes connecting two major tech hubs. Local authorities have identified 11 bodies so far, but the death toll could still change as rescue operations continue.

This marks the second major bus fire in India within a month. Last month, a similar incident in Rajasthan's desert region killed 19 people when a private bus caught fire. The western state accident also involved a private bus, highlighting ongoing safety concerns with India's private transportation sector.

Bus accidents are common in India, where millions rely on private and public buses for long-distance travel. Poor road conditions, aging vehicles, and lax safety enforcement often contribute to these tragedies. The Bangalore-Hyderabad route is particularly busy, serving as a key corridor for business travelers and migrant workers moving between these economic centers.

The back-to-back incidents raise questions about fuel tank safety standards and emergency response protocols for private bus operators. Many of these vehicles carry passengers across state lines with minimal oversight compared to government-run transport services.