A devastating bus fire in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district has claimed the lives of at least 20 passengers, prompting a high-level inquiry and raising serious questions about road safety. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 24, 2025, on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekur village, as a private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire.
Initial reports suggest that the bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the two-wheeler getting trapped underneath the bus. The collision reportedly ruptured the motorcycle's fuel tank, leading to a fuel leak. Friction between the vehicles is believed to have ignited the spilled fuel, causing a massive fire that quickly engulfed the bus. According to police, the bus door got jammed due to a short circuit and the vehicle was completely gutted within minutes.
Kurnool District Collector A. Siri stated that there were 41 passengers on board the bus. While some passengers managed to escape by breaking windows, many were trapped inside and died. The victims' bodies were badly charred, making identification difficult, and forensic teams are collecting DNA samples. The biker also died in the incident.
Survivors recounted scenes of terror, describing how they woke up to find the bus ablaze and struggled to escape. Some passengers were trapped because the bus doors were locked after the accident. Locals rushed to help, but the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time for rescue efforts. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control, but the bus was completely destroyed.
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a probe involving transport ministers and officials from neighboring states. The investigation will focus on the bus's safety mechanisms, the availability of fire extinguishers, and the driver's alertness. The Transport Department stated that the bus was mechanically fit and had all the necessary permits. According to the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department, the bus had a valid tourist permit until April 30, 2030, a fitness certificate until March 31, 2027 and insurance coverage until April 20, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The Telangana government has established a helpline to assist the families of the victims.
The accident has triggered calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations for private buses. Concerns have been raised about the lack of safety equipment, such as hammers to break windows, and the need for better driver training. This is the second major bus fire on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route in recent years, raising concerns about passenger safety. In light of the tragedy, the Andhra Pradesh government is considering additional safety measures for buses, including mandatory fire-retardant interiors, accessible emergency exits, and regular checks of electrical and fuel systems.
