4 charred to death after Ahmedabad-Rajkot bus crashes into tanker on Chotila highway

At least four people were burnt alive and around 10 others sustained injuries after a private bus travelling from Ahmedabad to Rajkot rammed into a tanker on the Rajkot-Chotila highway near Sangani village late at night on Wednesday.

According to preliminary information, the accident took place between 1.30 am and 2 am. The tanker, reportedly carrying bitumen (black hydrocarbon material), went out of control after one of its tyres burst. Moments later, the bus coming from behind crashed into it with massive impact.

The collision triggered a fire that rapidly engulfed the bus. Passengers had little time to escape before flames spread through the vehicle.

Four passengers were burnt alive in the fire. The bodies were reportedly charred beyond recognition. Around 10 people suffered serious injuries, while several others managed to escape from the burning bus.

Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and launched rescue operations. The accident also led to traffic congestion on the highway for several hours.

The injured were shifted to hospitals in Rajkot for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.

Police have registered a case and further investigation into the incident is underway.