Surat: At least five passengers are feared dead in a horrific road accident involving two Maharashtra State Transport (ST) buses near Uva village in Bardoli taluka of Surat district on Tuesday. One of the buses caught fire moments after the collision, triggering panic among passengers and prompting a major rescue operation.

According to preliminary information, the accident occurred after a tanker overturned on the highway near Uva village. In an attempt to avoid colliding with the overturned tanker, the driver of a Maharashtra-registered ST bus reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The bus then crossed the divider and veered onto the wrong side of the road, where it collided head-on with another Maharashtra ST bus approaching from the opposite direction.

Two Maharashtra ST Buses Collide Near Bardoli, One Catches Fire; Over 5 Deadhttps://t.co/aN9yPy6AhU pic.twitter.com/pmy4JJoJAm

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The impact of the collision was extremely severe, causing extensive damage to both buses. One of the buses overturned following the crash.

Officials said one of the accident-hit buses was powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Within seconds of the collision, a massive fire broke out in the vehicle and quickly engulfed the bus, leading to chaos among passengers and bystanders.

Fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and launched efforts to douse the flames and rescue trapped passengers. Police personnel from Bardoli also reached the spot and began rescue and relief operations.

Authorities are yet to confirm the exact death toll, but initial reports suggest that more than five passengers may have lost their lives in the accident. Several others are feared injured and have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances that led to the crash. DeshGujarat