20 dead as Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus bursts into flames
New Delhi, Oct 24: At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Kurnool district late last night, PTI reported.
The inferno broke out after the vehicle collided with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur village, trapping sleeping passengers inside as flames engulfed the bus within minutes. According to police, the bike was dragged under the bus following the collision, with its fuel tank leaking and triggering a massive blaze, reports PTI. “So far, 19 bodies have been retrieved from the charred bus. The biker’s body is in the mortuary,” said Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen. “A complete picture of casualties and survivors will emerge after a detailed investigation and identification of the victims,” he added as reported by PTI.
Forty one people, including the driver, were on board. Of them, 21 have been traced, while the rest are believed to have perished in the fire. “Many passengers couldn’t escape because it was night and they were asleep. The bus door jammed after a short circuit, worsening the tragedy. Media reports suggest most of the passengers were from Hyderabad. PTI added that forensic teams have been deployed to collect DNA samples, as several victims were burnt beyond recognition. Police are examining the vehicle’s diesel tank and safety systems, while also reviewing compliance measures for private operators.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and chief ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka expressed grief over the horrific accident. “The loss of lives in the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” President Murmu said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said on X.
PM Office confirmed that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and said he had spoken to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police to ensure swift relief measures.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families,” he posted.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also conveyed anguish over the loss of lives and directed the Collector and SP of Gadwal district, which borders Kurnool, to coordinate with Andhra officials for relief operations.
The Telangana government has set up a helpline for relatives of passengers who boarded the ill-fated bus.
The government said families can contact officers M. Sriramachandra (M: 9912919545) and E. Chittibabu (M: 9440854433) for assistance.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also expressed condolences, calling the incident a grim reminder of the need for stricter road safety enforcement and emergency protocols on long-distance night buses.
Authorities have launched a detailed probe into the accident and promised accountability.
“We will ensure this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for transport operators to follow all fire safety and emergency norms,” said an Andhra Pradesh official at the site.
The Kurnool fire is one of the deadliest bus accidents in southern India in recent years — a tragedy that turned a routine overnight journey into a nightmare for dozens of unsuspecting passengers.
