20 killed in India as bus catches fire on highway

Twenty people were burnt alive in a horrific tragedy on Tuesday afternoon when a private bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur in India's Rajasthan caught fire, NDTV reports.

Police said the bus, carrying 57 passengers, left Jaisalmer around 3pm. On the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, smoke began emerging from the rear portion.

The driver stopped the bus along the roadside, but within moments, the flames engulfed the vehicle.

Locals and passers-by rushed to the spot and assisted in the rescue efforts. Fire engines and police were informed.

It appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit, police said.

In a tragic irony, the bus involved in the accident was reportedly purchased only five days ago.

Fifteen passengers - including four women and two children- sustained serious burn injuries, with some suffering up to 70 per cent burns. They were initially rushed to Jawahar Hospital in Jaisalmer via three ambulances and later referred to Jodhpur for advanced treatment.