Daijiworld Media Network - Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, Oct 24: In a horrific accident that shook Andhra Pradesh, more than 20 passengers were burnt alive when a Kaveri Travels Volvo bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district during the early hours of Friday.
The bus, carrying over 40 passengers, began its journey from Hyderabad around midnight. At approximately 3:30 am, it reportedly hit a two-wheeler on National Highway 44 (NH-44) near Ullindakonda. Police suspect that the bike got lodged under the bus, causing sparks that ignited the vehicle within minutes. The driver is said to have fled the scene soon after the impact.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the entire bus was engulfed in flames within two to three minutes, leaving little time for passengers to escape. The AC bus’s main door reportedly jammed, trapping several people inside. Some managed to break open windows and jump out, sustaining severe burn injuries.
Dr Siri, one of the officials overseeing rescue operations, confirmed that 21 bodies have been recovered so far, of which 11 have been identified. Nine bodies are yet to be identified due to the extent of the burns. Twelve passengers managed to escape, while others were charred beyond recognition.
Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil said that a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been deployed to determine the exact cause of the fire. “Preliminary findings suggest that the collision led to sparks that ignited the fire. Since it was an air-conditioned bus, those who could break the glass windows managed to survive,” he said.
DIG Koya Praveen noted that combustible materials inside the bus contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, even though the fuel tank remained intact. He further stated that the bus lacked several basic fire safety measures that could have prevented such a large-scale tragedy.
Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy said that authorities are verifying the bus’s maintenance and fitness records. “We are cross-checking documents to ensure whether all safety norms were being followed in the past two months,” he added.
Rescue and firefighting operations continued through the morning, with teams working to identify victims and locate missing passengers. Eleven injured passengers are being treated at the government hospital, while three others are undergoing care at private facilities.
The incident has triggered a wave of grief and condolences across the country. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the devastating fire. “Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families,” he said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Former CM and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed deep grief, describing the accident as “extremely distressing.” He urged the government to provide financial aid to the families of the deceased and ensure the best medical care for survivors.
TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh joined in offering condolences, extending “deepest sympathies” to the bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured.
The tragedy has once again raised serious questions about passenger safety, particularly in long-distance private bus operations, prompting authorities to consider stronger enforcement of fire safety standards and vehicle maintenance checks.