At Least 20 Killed as Bus Catches Fire on Highway in India

At least 20 people have been confirmed dead after a bus caught fire on a highway in western India, police said on Wednesday.

The bus, which had 57 passengers onboard, was traveling from the tourist city of Jaisalmer to Jodhpur in Rajasthan when smoke was seen coming from the rear of the vehicle.

According to police, the driver immediately stopped and urged passengers to evacuate, but the fire spread rapidly, trapping many inside.

Fifteen others, including four women and two children, were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital with varying degrees of burns.

Authorities suspect the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, according to reports by Indian broadcaster NDTV.