Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: A devastating fire engulfed a passenger bus in southern India early Friday morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, along National Highway 44, as the bus traveled from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.

According to police reports, the fire erupted after the bus collided with a motorcycle around 3:30 a.m.. Preliminary investigations suggest that the motorcycle became lodged under the bus's fuel tank, resulting in an explosion that quickly spread flames throughout the vehicle. Senior police official Vikrant Patil noted that the motorcycle rammed into the speeding bus from behind and got stuck. It was dragged for some distance, causing sparks that ignited the fuel tank.

The bus, a private sleeper coach, was carrying approximately 40-44 passengers. Many of the passengers were asleep when the fire broke out, making escape difficult. Eighteen passengers managed to escape the inferno, some by smashing windows, and are currently receiving treatment for injuries ranging from minor to severe. The rider of the motorcycle also died in the accident.

"As the smoke started spreading, the driver stopped the bus and tried to put the fire out by using a fire extinguisher, but the fire was so intense he couldn't control it,” Patil added. Television footage showed the charred remains of the bus on the highway.

Authorities are working to identify the victims, with some bodies severely charred. As of Friday afternoon, 11 bodies had been identified. A team of forensic experts is investigating the incident.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured government support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences.

Official records show that the bus, bearing registration number DD01N9490, was originally registered in Daman and Diu in August 2018. It was owned by Vemuri Kaveri Travels, a private operator based in Odisha's Rayagada district. The vehicle's registration was transferred to the Rayagada Regional Transport Office (RTO) on April 29, 2025.

This tragedy follows a similar incident earlier this month in Rajasthan, where a bus fire claimed the lives of 22 passengers. These recurring incidents raise serious questions about passenger safety on long-distance buses in India.