20 killed as private bus catches fire after collision in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 24 – At least twenty people were killed when a private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. Most of the victims died of burn injuries, and the deceased also included the motorcyclist, according to police officials.
As per agency report, the accident occurred near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district when the motorcycle came under the bus after collision, causing the bike’s fuel tank lid to open. The leaking fuel ignited, setting the bus ablaze within minutes. The blaze spread rapidly, trapping several sleeping passengers inside. Police sources indicated that some bodies were charred beyond recognition, prompting the deployment of a forensic team to collect DNA samples for identification.
Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Koya Praveen said that 19 burnt bodies had been recovered from the bus, while the motorcyclist’s remains were sent to the morgue. He stated that a full account of the casualties and survivors would be available only after a complete investigation and identification process. Officials reported that the bus door jammed due to an electrical short circuit, making it impossible for passengers to escape.
District Collector A. Siree informed that the bus was carrying 41 people, including the driver, of which 21 have been traced so far. Most survivors are aged between 25 and 35 years. Their condition is said to be stable and out of danger. Siree noted that several passengers could not escape as the accident occurred at night when they were asleep, and damaged wiring prevented the doors from opening immediately. Most of the passengers were residents of Hyderabad, she added.
Authorities initially believed that the bus was headed toward Hyderabad, but later confirmed it was traveling to Bengaluru. The police continued safety measures at the site by emptying the diesel tank of the burnt vehicle while a team of medical experts collected DNA samples from the remains. DIG Praveen said that the bus lacked fire safety measures, revealing serious lapses in safety compliance and emergency preparedness by the transport operator.
The tragic incident prompted reactions from top leaders across the country. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 each to the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and said he had spoken with the district collector and superintendent of police to ensure medical care for the injured. He conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured that all possible assistance would be provided.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed deep grief and directed the collector and superintendent of police of Telangana’s Gadwal district to visit the site and oversee relief operations. The Telangana government has set up a helpline to assist families of the passengers who were on the ill-fated bus. Officials M. Sriramachandra and E. Chittibabu have been assigned to coordinate support for affected families.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar too expressed their condolences over the incident and offered support to the victims’ families.
The accident has raised serious concerns about passenger safety standards in long-distance private bus operations, especially during night journeys when emergency preparedness is often minimal.
