At least 20 people burnt to death as they were trapped on the top deck of a bus that burst into flames. Some passengers were reportedly carrying fuel – causing an engine fire to turn quickly into a fireball.
Horrifying images from the scene showed passersby desperately trying to fight the flames with handheld extinguishers in Lima, Peru. Eight people were injured and at least 20 died, fire brigade spokesman Lewis Mejia said early today. He added most of those who died were on the upper deck of the bus, which was not fitted with extinguishers or other safety gear.
The fire broke out at an informal bus stop on the outskirts of the Peruvian capital. It was reportedly picking up passengers before heading to Chiclayo in the north of the country. Witnesses said the fire started in the bus’s motor at the rear and quickly spread to its interior Lima mayor Jorge Munoz said it happened at a bus stop that authorities had banned just weeks ago because it was located next to an illegal shop that sells fuel. He told reporters: “It appears that on the second floor of bus, where most of the victims were found, they were transporting fuel. That’s a very serious matter.”
The mayor vowed to punish the owners of the bus. He said: “They have defied a municipal order – I’m completely outraged. These people must be removed and criminal sanctions will be sought.” The bus stop caters for poorer people who take advantage of much lower fares than those available at more regulated bus stations in the centre of Lima. Authorities in Lima have repeatedly failed to reign in the city’s “informal” transportation system, a chaotic network of independent and unauthorised vans and buses used by millions of people every day.
Photo Credit: Getty
