A fatal bus accident in western India resulted in 25 casualties and eight injuries. The incident occurred when the bus hit a pole, overturned, and caught fire on the way to Pune after midnight. The victims, including three children, were primarily identified via DNA testing because the bodies were charred beyond recognition.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed their condolences and promised financial support for the victims’ families. The Chief Minister also revealed plans for installing a smart system on the expressway to prevent future accidents.
The tragic incident underscores the risks inherent in India’s road network, which contributes to 11% of the global road death toll, according to a 2021 World Bank report.