960405

Freak accident

kills 14 in

India

NEW DELHI: Bicycles strapped to the roof of a bus struck overhead electrical wires in southern India, electrocuting 14 passengers, a news agency reported on Friday.

United News of India said the bus was carrying about 60 people in Andhra Pradesh state, almost 1,000 miles (1,600 kms) south of New Delhi. Two passengers were in serious condition at a hospital, the news agency said.

In another accident in western Maharashtra state, 16 people were killed when their truck overturned, Press Trust of India reported.

The victims were taking ride on the cement-laden truck and some were crushed to death by the cement bags. Poor villagers in India take regular rides on trucks as they offer cheaper mode of transport than bus services.

The area is about 1,400 kilometers (868 miles) west of New Delhi.-APP