Overcrowded bus bursts into flames in India

(CNN) -- Police rescued seven people from the wreckage of a bus that hit a culvert and burst into flames in southern India on Wednesday, authorities said.

The overcrowded bus with 49 people aboard was traveling from Hyderabad to Bangalore city when the accident happened, said police superintendent

        

Nagendra Kumar.

While speeding and trying to overtake another car, it hit a culvert and its diesel tank burst into flames, Kumar said.

Of those rescued, five are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

The private bus has 29 seats, but a passenger list of 33 people, according to Kumar. The number of fatalities was not immediately available. Extra passengers may have boarded along the way, bypassing the number on the list.

The accident occurred in Mahbubnagar district.more.