Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), October 24: In a horrific road accident, at least 20 people are feared dead after a Hyderabad–Bengaluru bound private bus was engulfed in flames following a collision with a motorcycle near Chinna Tekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday. The bus, carrying around 40 passengers, caught fire moments after the impact, leaving several trapped inside.
Grim Scene at the Accident Site
According to Kurnool District Collector Dr. Siri, 21 individuals have been accounted for so far. “Of them, 11 bodies have been identified, while 9 remain unrecognised,” she said. The bus door reportedly jammed, preventing passengers from escaping as the blaze spread rapidly.
DIG Koya Praveen said the collision with the bike triggered the fire, which intensified due to flammable materials inside the vehicle. He confirmed that the bus lacked basic fire-safety equipment, even though its fuel tank remained intact.
Passengers Trapped Amid Flames
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was completely engulfed within minutes. Only 12 passengers managed to escape by breaking windows, several sustaining severe burn injuries. Fire and rescue teams battled the inferno for hours before bringing it under control. Officials said the final death toll will be confirmed after cooling operations conclude.
Leaders Express Grief
President Droupadi Murmu mourned the loss of lives, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow and directed officials to provide immediate medical aid and relief to the victims’ families.
A Disturbing Trend
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar bus fire in Rajasthan, where 22 passengers, including children, died when a Jaisalmer–Jodhpur bus caught fire near Thaiyat village. Investigations in that case revealed that a short circuit in the air-conditioning system caused the deadly blaze.
The Kurnool incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in public transport vehicles.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine negligence on the part of the bus operator. Police said the bodies have been sent for post-mortem, and the injured are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
As families await identification of their loved ones, officials warn that the death toll may rise further.
