Hubballi: In a tragic incident, three persons were charred to death after a private bus caught fire on National Highway 4 at Varur near Hubballi on Wednesday, July 27.

The incident reportedly took place at 5:30 am when fire broke out from the rear side of the nonAC sleeper coach bus. As many as 18 persons were in the bus including two drivers and a cleaner when the incident took place.

The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained as the bodies were charred beyond recognition, said Superintendent of Police of Dharwad Darmender Kumar Meena. He further said that the cause for the fire too is being looked into.

Three of the nine injured persons are said to be in a critical condition. They have been shifted to KLE hospital in Belagavi. The rest of the injured are being treated at KIMS Hospital Hubballi.