Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: A devastating early-morning accident on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway has left at least 20 people dead, with fears the toll could rise to 32, after a private bus caught fire. The incident occurred near Chinna Tekuru village in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh around 3:30 AM on Friday.

The Kaveri Travels bus, bearing registration number DD09 N9490, was en route to Hyderabad from Bengaluru when it collided with a two-wheeler. According to initial reports, the collision caused the motorcycle to become trapped underneath the bus, igniting a fire that quickly engulfed the entire vehicle.

"The blaze erupted after a two-wheeler crashed into the bus around 3 am on Friday. Within minutes, the flames engulfed the entire vehicle," reports stated.

Of the 44 passengers and two drivers on board, a handful managed to escape the inferno. "While 12 passengers managed to escape with minor injuries by breaking open the emergency exit and window panes, many others were trapped inside as the flames consumed the vehicle". The remaining passengers are feared to have been trapped inside the bus as the fire spread rapidly, with little chance of escape. Eyewitness accounts suggest the fire spread with alarming speed, leaving those at the rear of the bus with no viable escape route.

Emergency services, including police and fire personnel, rushed to the scene to conduct rescue operations. However, their efforts were significantly hampered by heavy rainfall in the area. The injured were transported to Kurnool Government Hospital. The bus was completely destroyed in the fire, reduced to ashes.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. The bus crew, including the driver, reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

The accident has caused a major traffic disruption on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway, with vehicles stranded for hours.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently on an official visit to Dubai, expressed his shock and grief over the tragedy. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and has directed senior officials to provide all necessary support to the injured and the families of the deceased.

This tragedy follows a similar incident in Rajasthan just days prior, where 22 people were killed in a bus fire.