11 killed as bus catches fire in India’s Maharashtra

At least 11 people were killed and several others injured after a private luxury bus caught fire after colliding with a truck on Aurangabad Road at Nashik city in Maharashtra of India on Saturday early morning, reports Times of India. 

Resident deputy collector Bhagwat Doifode confirmed the accident and the number of deceased people.

District Collector Gangatharan T has also rushed to the incident spot.

Over 20 others were injured in the accident and they have been taken to civil hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred at around 5.20am near Hotel Mirchi on Nashik - Aurangabad Road when a Mumbai-bound private bus coming from Pusad collided with the Pune-bound truck coming from Dhule head on.

The Nashik fire brigade received a call at 5.30am after which three fire tenders were pressed into service. The locals and police reached the spot after the accident and shifted the injured to the hospital.

Nashik police commissioner Jayant Naiknavare said that there were 30 passengers in the Mumbai bound bus from Yawatmal.

"The bus had left Yavatmal at around 3.30am and at around 5.15am it collided with the truck. The bus caught fire and 11 persons died from burn injuries. Those injured have been shifted to Nashik civil hospital and other hospitals in the city for treatment. The process of identifying the deceased persons is underway."

Nashik district guardian minister Dada Bhuse said that all injured are being treated in Nashik and government will bear all medical expenses of those injured.

"CM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs each to the next of kin of those who died in this unfortunate incident. I am also going to the spot to assess the situation," added Bhuse.