Deadly Bus Crash in Western India Kills 25, Injures 8
A horrific bus crash on an expressway in western India has claimed at least 25 lives and injured eight others. The tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday when the bus, heading to Pune, smashed into a pole, overturned, and burst into flames after its diesel tank ignited. Senior police officer Baburao Mahamuni revealed the grim toll to AFP.
Driver and Conductor Held as Investigation Unfolds
“There were about 30 to 35 people on board. Twenty-five have died and eight are injured,” said Mahamuni. The victims were rushed to a hospital in Maharashtra, roughly 400km east of Mumbai.
State rural development minister Girish Mahajan confirmed the bus driver and conductor are in custody. The driver claims a tyre burst caused the crash, but officials suspect he may have nodded off behind the wheel. “We need to investigate what really happened,” Mahajan said. Forensic teams are arriving to identify the charred bodies, many burnt beyond recognition.
Survivors and Witnesses Share Harrowing Accounts
One survivor told the Press Trust of India he escaped by breaking through a rear window. “The passenger next to me and I managed to get out, but not everyone was so lucky,” he said.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene. “We saw people burning alive. The fire was so intense we couldn’t help,” one witness cried.
Government and Officials Respond to Tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on Twitter: “Deeply saddened by the devastating bus mishap in Buldhana. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. May the injured recover soon.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a compensation payout of 500,000 rupees (£5,300) for the families of the victims.
India’s Road Death Toll Remains Alarming
India’s notoriously dangerous roads contribute to high accident rates. Though the country holds just 1% of the world’s vehicles, it accounts for 11% of global road deaths, according to a 2021 World Bank report. Around 150,000 people die annually on Indian roads — one every four minutes. The economic cost hits $75 billion a year, plunging many survivors into poverty due to medical bills and lost income.
This latest disaster is part of a string of deadly bus crashes. In May, 21 died when a bus plunged off a bridge after the driver reportedly fell asleep. Last October, a bus carrying wedding guests fell into a gorge, killing 31.
