Hyderabad, Oct 30 (IANS): In another two hours, they would have reached their destination safely but a horrific fire that broke out Wednesday after their bus hit a culvert reduced them to ashes.

A couple and their six-year-old daughter were among the 45 people burnt alive when a private bus coming to Hyderabad from Bangalore caught fire early Wednesday near Palem in Mahabubnagar district, about 150 km here.

Rescue workers found the body of Uzma Fatima, six, clinging to her mother Jabeen. Both were charred beyond recognition. Azmatullah (36) and Jabeen had taken their daughter to Bangalore for treatment as she had some defect in her limbs and were returning home when the tragedy struck.

The family hailed from Dabeerpura area in the old city of Hyderabad. Azmatullah's father-in-law Aslamuddin and other family members became anxious when they did not reach home though it was past 7 a.m. and they also could not reach Azmatullah over his mobile. Aslamuddin then contacted Azmatullah's family members in Bangalore.

Later, a pall of gloom descended on the house after some family members alerted Aslamuddin about the bus mishap news on television.