Several perish in asleep, charred beyond recognition

Several passengers were fast asleep and died without even realising what was happening when the Bangalore-bound bus caught fire around 3 AM after an accident involving a motor bike, leaving 20 dead on the spot

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

For many passengers killed in a fire in the ill-fated private bus in this district Friday, death struck without a warning.

Several passengers were fast asleep and died without even realising what was happening when the Bangalore-bound bus caught fire around 3 AM after an accident involving a motor bike, leaving 20 dead on the spot. Most victims were charred beyond recognition.

The blaze completely gutted the sleeper bus, reducing it to a metal skeleton.

There were some techies onboard when the accident happened and the survivors recalled the tense moments leading to their miraculous escape, even while suffering broken limbs and other minor injuries.

The private bus from Hyderabad to Bangalore caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler.