Karnataka: 3-year-old charred to death as bus catches fire

Kalaburagi: A three-year-old child was charred to death and five others sustained burn injuries due to fire accident in a bus near Humnabad town early Friday. The child has been identified as Vihan (3) son of Ramprasad from Kakipally in Hyderabad. Among the injured include child’s mother Venkateshwari. The family was returning to Hyderabad from Shirdi. The front portion of the bus suddenly caught fire around 3 am, where the battery is situated, reportedly due to short circuit. The flames suddenly engulfed the entire bus, which got completely charred. The passengers, who were asleep, escaped from the emergency exit. The injured have been identified as Arun Kumar, Nagabhushan, Varun Kumar and his wife Divya. They were first treated at Humnabad hospital and later shifted to Hyderabad.

Ramprasad, who was travelling with his wife, two children and mother, first rescued his wife, one son and mother through the emergency exit.

After rescuing the three, he tried to bring Vihan, who was fast asleep. But he failed due to heavy smoke and flames and by the time he reached near the boy, he was charred beyond recognition.

Many passengers are learnt to have lost most of their valuables including cash, jewellery, clothes, besides electronic gadgets.