Khaberni - At least 20 people died in a fire that erupted in a bus while it was traveling in the state of Rajasthan, Western India, according to what the authorities and local media reported.
The disaster-stricken bus was carrying more than 50 passengers between the cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur.
Rajesh Meena, a senior police officer, said, "19 passengers died on the bus, and another passenger died from his burns on the way to Jodhpur."
The "Press Trust of India" news agency reported these numbers, noting that the bus driver noticed smoke rising from the rear of the bus and stopped on the highway but the flames quickly consumed it.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his "shock at the loss of human lives," asserting that the government would provide compensation to the victims' families amounting to 200,000 rupees (over $2,200) for each victim.
It is noted that India, the largest country in the world in terms of population, is notorious for its disastrous record in road safety.
According to the latest data available, more than 480,000 road accidents were recorded in India in 2023, resulting in nearly 173,000 deaths and approximately 463,000 other injuries.
