India: Bus collision blaze kills 20 on route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad

A devastating bus collision and subsequent fire on the route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, according to domestic media reports. The incident, which occurred on Friday, was triggered by a fuel leak after the bus collided with a motorcycle. The blaze engulfed the vehicle, leading to a tragic loss of life and injuries among passengers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Modi stated that Rs. 2 lakh (approximately Dh2,091) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in India, which, despite being the world’s third-largest car market, continues to grapple with high rates of fatal accidents. Last year alone, road accidents claimed approximately 180,000 lives nationwide. The collision and fire serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.