A speeding minibus jumped a road divider and crashed into a truck on a highway in southern India early Sunday, killing 14 members of a family, police said.
The only survivors in the bus, four children below 12, were critically injured, said police officer Fakirappa, who uses one name.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The family was heading to Ajmer on a Muslim pilgrimage in western India, he said.
The accident took place near Madarpur village in Kurnool district, 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of Hyderabad, the Andhra Pradesh state capital.
“The driver was apparently sleepy while driving in the wee hours and he lost control of the vehicle,” Fakirappa said.
The minibus collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction, ripping off part of its body and leaving the victims tangled inside. Their bodies were retrieved with the help of cutters, he said.
More than 110,000 people are killed every year in road accidents across India, according to police. Most crashes are blamed on reckless driving, poorly maintained roads and aging vehicles.
Read more:
At least 10 people killed when bus hits power line in India
-
21 pilgrims die, 35 hurt in india bus crash
At least 21 people returning from offering prayers at a temple in India’s western state of Gujarat died after their bus overturned Monday, ... World News -
At least 29 killed in bus crash on Indian expressway
A bus careered off one of India’s busiest roads early Monday killing at least 29 people, police said. The driver of the bus was suspected to ... World News -
Dubai bus crash kills 17, including 12 Indians
Twelve Indians were among 17 people who were killed in Dubai when their bus crashed into a road sign after entering a restricted lane, police and the ... Gulf