25 killed as bus catches fire on Maharashtra expressway

A bus carrying 33 passengers caught fire on the Maharashtra expressway on Saturday morning, killing at least 25 people and injuring several others. The bus was on its way from Nashik to Pune when it caught fire near Pimpalkhuta village in Sindhkhed Raja taluka of Buldhana district.

The fire broke out around 1:30 AM, and the bus was completely engulfed in flames within minutes. Most of the passengers were sleeping at the time of the fire, and they were unable to escape. The driver and a cleaner were the only two people who managed to escape.

The cause of the fire is not yet known, but police suspect that it may have been caused by a tyre burst. The bus was carrying diesel, and the fire quickly spread to the fuel tank. The heat from the fire was so intense that it melted the metal of the bus.

The injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for burns and other injuries. The death toll is expected to rise as more information becomes available.

The fire is a tragedy, and it has left many families in mourning. The government has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased.

The fire has also raised questions about the safety of buses in India. Buses are a popular mode of transportation in India, and they are often overcrowded. This makes them more susceptible to fires.

The government needs to take steps to improve the safety of buses in India. This includes ensuring that buses are properly maintained and that they have adequate fire safety measures in place.

The bus fire in Maharashtra is a reminder of the dangers of fire. It is important to be aware of the fire safety procedures in place, and to take steps to prevent fires from happening.