A massive fire killed 20 passengers when a private travel bus burst into flames near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district on Friday morning. The bus, owned by Kaveri Travels, was going from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with about 44 passengers.
Police said the accident happened around 3:30 am on National Highway 44. “The two-wheeler got trapped under the bus and hit the fuel tank, leading to an immediate explosion and rapid spread of flames throughout the vehicle,” they said.
Passengers Trapped as Bus Burned
Most passengers were asleep when the crash occurred. The flames spread quickly, trapping many inside. Some passengers woke up, broke windows, and jumped out. Others could not escape as the fire engulfed the bus within minutes.
Eyewitnesses said they heard screams before the bus turned into a fireball. Locals rushed to help and pulled out the injured before firefighters arrived. Four fire engines from Kurnool reached the spot but could not save the burning bus, which was reduced to ashes.
Injured Taken to Hospital
Rescue teams shifted the injured to Kurnool Government General Hospital. Most of the passengers were from Hyderabad.
The survivors include Naveen Kumar, Akhil, Jasmitha, Akira, Ramesh, Jayasurya, Harika, Subrahmanyam, Ramireddy, Venugopal Reddy, Satyanarayana, and Srilakshmi.
The bus drivers fled soon after the crash. Police have registered a case and launched a search to find them.
Leaders Express Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives. She said, “The loss of lives in the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is in Dubai on an official trip, also expressed sorrow. He asked senior officials and the chief secretary to visit the accident site and monitor rescue work. Naidu directed authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured and support to the victims’ families. He also ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident.
State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy visited the site and reviewed the situation. “The loss of so many lives in such a tragic manner is heartbreaking,” he said. He asked officials to ensure top medical care for the injured and continue rescue operations.
Former chief minister and YSRCP president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also shared his condolences. He said the accident was deeply distressing and urged the government to provide financial help and quick relief to affected families.
Probe Begins
Police have started investigating the cause of the accident. They suspect careless driving and a fuel leak may have caused the fire. Forensic teams are working to identify the victims. DNA tests may be conducted if required.
The tragedy has left Kurnool and Hyderabad in deep sorrow. Families of passengers are waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones.