Passenger bus catches fire in Pakistan, 13 killed

The over-speeding bus, on its way to Karachi from Hyderabad, skidded off the road and burst into flames on Saturday, police and rescue officials said.

At least 13 people have been charred to death after a passenger bus they were travelling in caught fire and overturned in Pakistan, officials said.

Rescue workers examine a burnt bus at the accident site on a highway outside of Karachi, Pakistan. (AP Photo)

The over-speeding bus, on its way to Karachi from Hyderabad, skidded off the road and burst into flames on Saturday, police and rescue officials said.

At least 13 people have lost their lives in the accident near Nooriabad area, they said.

“They were 22 passengers in the bus when it overturned and caught fire… many of them were trapped inside and got burnt. Others who escaped or have been rescued also suffered injuries,” additional IG Motorway Police Dr Aftab Pathan told the media.

Five of the survivors were in a critical condition, he said, adding that officials were trying to retrieve the bodies from the wreckage of the bus.

“The accident took place after the bus travelled some 60 kilometres from Hyderabad and the vehicle has been totally destroyed in the accident,” the officer said.

Edhi ambulances from Karachi and Edhi Home rushed to the spot along with fire tenders to extinguish the blaze.