A tragic road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district claimed at least 20 lives early Friday morning when a private bus traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler. The accident occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kallur Mandal on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway around 3 a.m., leaving behind scenes of devastation and sorrow.
According to officials, the bus was carrying 41 passengers when the crash took place. The impact of the collision trapped the motorcycle under the bus, causing a severe fuel leak. Within minutes, the leaked fuel caught fire, engulfing the entire vehicle in flames. Among the victims was also the rider of the motorcycle that collided with the bus.
How the Kurnool Bus Accident Happened
Authorities confirmed that the bus, operated by a private travel company, collided with a two-wheeler between 3 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. The collision caused the fuel tank to burst open, leading to an instant fire that spread rapidly through the bus.
Kurnool District Collector Dr. A. Siri said that rescue operations began immediately after the accident. Out of 41 passengers, 21 were rescued, while 20 others died on the spot. Officials have identified 11 victims so far, and efforts to confirm the rest are underway.
Police stated that the fire spread within minutes, giving passengers little time to escape. A short circuit jammed the automatic door, trapping those seated inside. The intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely difficult.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kurnool Range, Koya Praveen, reported that 19 passengers, including two children and both drivers, survived the incident. However, the scale of destruction was such that the bus was reduced to ashes before help could arrive.
Panic and Desperation at the Scene
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments when the bus caught fire. Many passengers were asleep and woke up to screams and thick black smoke. Some managed to shatter windows and escape, but others were trapped as the flames spread uncontrollably.
Local villagers and motorists stopped their vehicles and rushed to help before the arrival of emergency services. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour before bringing the fire under control. By then, the bus was completely destroyed, leaving behind only a charred metal frame.
The injured were taken to Kurnool Government General Hospital, where doctors confirmed that several victims had sustained severe burns and were in critical condition. Most passengers were residents of Hyderabad returning home after work.
Telangana Government Launches Helpline for Victims’ Families
In response to the tragedy, the Telangana Government announced a special helpline to assist families of the passengers on the ill-fated bus.
According to an official statement, those seeking help can contact M. Sriramchandra at 9912919545 or E. Chittibabu at 9440854433. The helpline was launched 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.
Chief Minister Reddy also instructed IAS officer S. Harish and district officials from Gadwal, which borders Kurnool, to visit the accident site and coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities for relief and rescue operations.
President Droupadi Murmu Expresses Condolence
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep grief over the Kurnool bus fire tragedy. In a post on X, she wrote, “The news of the tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is extremely distressing. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
She described the accident as “deeply unfortunate” and urged officials to ensure full support and compensation for the affected families.
PM Modi Announces Compensation, Mourns the Loss
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow through a message 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 Kurnool district. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured.”
PM Modi announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while the injured will get Rs 50,000 as immediate relief.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Reacts
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. In an official statement, he said, “The horrific bus fire near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district is heart-wrenching. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. The government will extend all possible support to the injured and the affected families.”
Naidu directed district authorities to rush to the accident site and oversee the relief operations personally. He assured that proper medical facilities and compensation will be provided without delay.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation Underway
Police, fire brigades, and local administration teams conducted rescue and recovery operations through the early morning hours. The bodies of the victims were recovered after the flames were extinguished and sent for post-mortem examination.
Forensic experts have been assigned to determine the exact cause of the fire. Preliminary investigation suggests that overspeeding and poor visibility may have led to the collision. The motorcycle involved in the crash is suspected to have been traveling on the wrong side of the highway.
Police said both bus drivers fled the scene soon after the accident. A manhunt has been launched to trace them, and authorities are examining CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and fuel stations.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police confirmed that a case has been registered under sections related to rash and negligent driving. A detailed report will be submitted to the state government soon.
Identification of Victims and Relief Efforts
Officials have identified several victims, most of whom were from Hyderabad and nearby regions. Local police stations in both states have been instructed to help families locate their relatives.
The Kurnool General Hospital has established special wards for burn victims, and doctors are providing 24-hour care. Psychologists and counselors are also assisting traumatized survivors and families of the deceased.
Volunteers and local NGOs have stepped in to provide food, water, and temporary shelter to those waiting outside hospitals and morgues. The Andhra Pradesh government has set up information centers to guide the families arriving from different parts of Telangana and Karnataka.
Nationwide Mourning and Outcry for Road Safety
The Kurnool bus fire tragedy has sparked national outrage and grief. Messages of condolence poured in from across India as citizens expressed solidarity with the victims. Hashtags like #KurnoolBusFire and #AndhraAccident trended on social media, with users demanding stricter highway safety norms and emergency exits in private buses.
Experts emphasized the urgent need for better road safety laws and vehicle inspection systems, especially for long-distance night travel. They also called for improved driver training, mandatory fire extinguishers on buses, and better highway lighting to prevent such accidents in the future.
Both the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments are expected to review private transport regulations to ensure strict compliance with fire and safety standards.
A Heartbreaking Reminder of Road Safety Failures
The Kurnool accident has become one of the deadliest bus tragedies in recent years in Andhra Pradesh. The charred remains of the bus stand as a haunting reminder of the need for better transport safety measures.
For the grieving families, the loss is immeasurable. For the survivors, the trauma of that night will never fade. Many described how a peaceful journey turned into a nightmare within seconds.
Local residents recounted their helplessness as they watched the bus burn uncontrollably despite their efforts. One witness said, “It took only a few moments for everything to turn into ashes.”
The tragedy has once again raised questions about the safety of passengers traveling on Indian highways at night. It has also underlined the need for faster emergency response systems and stricter enforcement of transport rules.
The Aftermath: Lessons and Accountability
As investigations continue, both state and central authorities are under pressure to take strict action against those responsible. The transport department has been asked to conduct safety audits of all private buses operating on inter-state routes between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Officials also plan to make safety drills and emergency equipment mandatory for long-distance buses. Experts suggest that regular inspection drives, driver rest policies, and passenger safety education can reduce such incidents.
The Kurnool bus fire serves as a stark warning that road safety is not just a policy issue but a matter of saving lives. It reflects the urgent need for stricter regulations, better enforcement, and public awareness.
A Tragedy That India Will Remember
As India mourns the lives lost in the Andhra Pradesh bus fire tragedy, the haunting images from Kurnool continue to circulate on social media. The pain, the loss, and the unanswered questions remain.
The government’s swift response and public empathy have shown the nation’s unity in grief. Yet, for the victims’ families, the journey toward healing will be long and painful.
The Kurnool accident is more than just a tragic headline — it is a reminder that life’s fragility can be shattered in seconds. It also stands as a call to action for safer roads, responsible driving, and stronger enforcement of laws that protect lives on India’s highways.
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