Over 25 dead as bus catches fire in eastern India

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI, India (AA) - At least 27 people were killed when a bus caught fire after it fell into a gorge in India’s eastern state of Bihar on Thursday evening.

The incident took place when the driver of the bus, which was carrying 35 passengers, lost control of the vehicle when he tried to save a 2-wheeler in Motihari district of Bihar, the Times of India said in a report.

According to the report, State Minister of Disaster Management Dinesh Chandra Yadav said the East Champaran District Magistrate has confirmed the deaths of 27 people.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has assured every possible support to the families of the victims.

"It is a really painful incident. The local administration officials are present at the spot. We will extend all possible help to the families of those who died," Nitish told reporters.