At least 20 people lost their lives early Friday morning when a private bus traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway near Chinnatekuru in Kurnool district. The devastating accident occurred around 3 a.m. in Kallur Mandal, leaving behind scenes of horror and grief.
According to preliminary police reports, the bus was carrying around 41 passengers when the collision took place. The impact caused the motorcycle to get trapped under the bus, leading to a massive fuel leak. Within moments, the leaking fuel ignited, engulfing the bus in flames. Among the deceased is also the person riding the bike that collided with the bus.
How the Kurnool Bus Accident Happened
District officials confirmed that the accident took place between 3 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. when the bus, operated by a private travel company, rammed into a motorcycle on the busy highway. The collision caused the fuel tank cap to open, and the spilled petrol instantly caught fire, spreading rapidly inside the vehicle.
Kurnool District Collector Dr. A. Siri told ANI that rescue operations were launched immediately after the accident. Out of the 41 passengers on board, 21 people were rescued safely while 20 lost their lives. So far, 11 of the deceased have been identified, and efforts are ongoing to confirm the identity of the remaining victims.
Police officials said the bus caught fire within minutes of the collision. Due to a short circuit caused by the impact, the automatic door of the bus jammed, trapping passengers inside. The blaze spread so quickly that those seated at the back had no chance to escape.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kurnool Range, Koya Praveen, informed that 19 passengers, two children, and both drivers managed to survive the accident. However, the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Horrific Scene at the Accident Site
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the bus was engulfed in flames. Several passengers were asleep when the fire broke out and woke up to screams and thick smoke. Some managed to break windows and jump out, while others were trapped inside.
Local residents and passing motorists rushed to the site and tried to help before police and fire services arrived. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before the flames were brought under control. The bus was completely gutted, leaving behind only its charred frame.
The injured passengers were immediately shifted to Kurnool Government General Hospital for treatment. Doctors said several victims suffered severe burn injuries and are in critical condition. Most passengers were reportedly residents of Hyderabad.
Telangana Government Sets Up Helpline for Victims’ Families
Following the tragedy, the Telangana Government announced a helpline to assist the families of the passengers who were on the bus traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad.
A government press release stated that people seeking assistance can contact officials M. Sriramchandra at 9912919545 and E. Chittibabu at 9440854433. The helpline was established under the direction of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who immediately spoke with Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy.
The Chief Minister also instructed IAS officer S. Harish and officials from Gadwal district, which borders Kurnool, to reach the accident site and coordinate rescue and relief operations in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh authorities.
President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Grief
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus fire in Kurnool. In a post shared on X, she wrote, “The news of the tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is extremely unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
The President described the accident as “deeply distressing” and urged authorities to ensure that the families of victims receive all possible assistance.
PM Modi Offers Condolences and Announces Financial Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the Kurnool bus accident. Through an official post shared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X, he said, “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives in the tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured.”
PM Modi also announced ex-gratia financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of each deceased victim will receive Rs 2 lakh, while those injured will be provided Rs 50,000.
Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Mourns the Loss
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu issued a statement expressing his sorrow over the tragedy. He said, “I am deeply shocked by the horrific bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost their loved ones. Government officials have been directed to provide every possible assistance to the injured and affected families.”
Officials from the Kurnool administration reached the spot soon after receiving information and supervised the rescue operations through the early morning hours.
Rescue Operations and Investigation Underway
Rescue teams comprising police, firefighters, and local authorities worked together to retrieve the bodies and assist the injured. Forensic experts are expected to examine the remains of the bus to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident occurred due to overspeeding and lack of visibility in the early morning hours. The two-wheeler that collided with the bus is believed to have been traveling on the wrong side of the road, leading to the devastating crash.
The bus drivers reportedly fled the scene soon after the accident. Police teams have launched a manhunt to trace them and are examining CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and petrol stations.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police confirmed that a case has been registered under sections of negligence and rash driving. A detailed report will be submitted to the state government once the investigation concludes.
Victims Identified and Relief Measures Initiated
Authorities have identified several of the victims, most of whom were residents of Hyderabad and nearby districts. Families of the deceased were informed through local police stations and helplines set up by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments.
Medical teams at Kurnool General Hospital are providing round-the-clock care for the injured. Special wards have been created for burn victims, and psychological counselors have been called in to support families affected by the tragedy.
Local NGOs and volunteers have also stepped forward to assist in relief efforts, offering food, water, and temporary shelter to the survivors and their relatives.
Nation Mourns the Kurnool Bus Fire
The Kurnool bus accident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with messages of condolence pouring in from political leaders, celebrities, and common citizens. Social media platforms were flooded with prayers for the victims and appeals for stricter safety measures on national highways.
Road safety experts have once again emphasized the need for better vehicle maintenance, emergency exits in private buses, and stricter monitoring of night-time travel on highways.
The Andhra Pradesh government is expected to conduct a detailed review of private transport operations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Officials have been instructed to ensure that all private buses comply with safety and fire-prevention norms.
The horrific Kurnool bus fire has become one of the deadliest road accidents in Andhra Pradesh in recent years. For the families who lost their loved ones, the pain is immeasurable. For the survivors, the memory of that fiery night will remain etched forever.
As rescue operations conclude and investigations continue, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the need for safer travel systems and better enforcement of transport laws. The images of the charred bus and the grief-stricken families have once again highlighted the importance of accountability in public transport safety.
