At least 40 people were killed when a Kolkata-bound luxury bus from Orissa collided with a loaded truck at Baliara National Highway in Howrah district on Tuesday morning, Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said.
The bus overturned and caught fire. Most of the 55 passengers, who were trapped inside, were charred to death, he said.
"It is difficult to say the exact number of casualties at this stage, but at least 40-42 people have died. We have rescued around 15-17 passengers," he said.
The injured passengers were taken to Bauria and Uluberia government hospitals, Kumar added.