12 Dead, 30 Injured As Bus Catches Fire In Maharashtra's Nashik

At least 12 people, including a child, were killed and 30 injured after a bus caught fire in Maharashtra's Nashik early this morning, officials have said.

The bus caught fire after hitting a trailer truck transporting diesel on the Nashik-Aurangabad highway, they added. 

"Most of those killed were passengers of the bus - a sleeper coach. The injured have been shifted to the hospital for treatment," said Amol Tambe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nashik.

He said a case has been registered and investigation is on to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. 

Videos showed a huge ball of fire engulfing the bus as the fire officials tried to douse the flames.

Eyewitnesses said the accident took place at around 5.15 am after which they called the police and ambulance.

They said the fire was so intense that they could not do anything to save the passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families who have lost a member in the accident. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the family of those who died in the accident.

The Maharashtra government will bear the medical expenses of the wounded, said state minister Dada Bhuse. 

The death count in the accident may go up as the condition of some of the injured persons is serious, officials said.