A devastating fire engulfed a private bus in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district early Friday morning, killing at least 20 people, including a motorcyclist, and injuring several others. The incident occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kalluru Mandal, about 130 miles (210 kilometers) south of Hyderabad, on National Highway 44.
The Kaveri Travels bus, en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, was carrying approximately 41-44 passengers when it collided with a motorcycle around 3:00 AM. According to police reports, the motorcycle rammed into the speeding bus from behind and became trapped underneath. The collision caused the motorcycle's fuel tank to rupture, leading to an immediate explosion and a rapid spread of flames throughout the vehicle.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of sheer panic and horror. Many passengers were asleep when the fire erupted, leaving them with little time to react. "I woke up and saw flames on the window side,” recounted Ashwin, a survivor. “I immediately shouted to the driver, but the fire spread so fast". Some passengers managed to break open windows and jump to safety, sustaining injuries in the process, while others were trapped inside the inferno. The bus door was jammed, preventing passengers from escaping. "Due to the smoke, there was suffocation, and we were not able to see anything... As soon as we got out, the bus was completely on fire..." another passenger told ANI.
The fire spread with incredible speed, gutting the bus within minutes. The driver attempted to extinguish the blaze with a fire extinguisher, but the intensity of the flames made it impossible. Forensic experts are investigating the scene.
Of the passengers, 21 were rescued. Authorities have identified 11 of the deceased. The remaining bodies are yet to be identified.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the bus was speeding and that the driver may have been negligent. According to Kurnool District Collector A Siri, the two drivers of the bus managed to escape the fire and initially fled the spot. However, one driver was later detained for questioning. A case has been registered against the two drivers over alleged negligence.
Following the tragedy, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and ₹2 lakh each to the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia payments. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also conveyed his sorrow and assured government support.
This is not an isolated incident. A similar bus fire in Rajasthan just days prior claimed the lives of 22 people. These incidents raise serious concerns about safety standards in private buses, particularly sleeper buses, and have prompted calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement. Telangana Jagruthi leader Kavitha Kalvakuntla urged the Union transport minister to review the sleeper bus policy. Telangana transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that going forward, all necessary measures will be taken in the bus system to prevent similar incidents.
The Kurnool bus tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
