Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Catches Fire, Door Jammed After Crash: 25 Dead

Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh): Devastating incident took place as a luxury bus caught fire and turned into ashes after it hit a two-wheeler in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool in the early hours and twenty people have died near Ullindakonda in Kurnool district.

The journey from Hyderabad around midnight started and when it reached near Kurnool on National Highway 44 (NH-44), at around 3:30 am, it met with an accident with a two-wheeler. The two-wheeler got stuck under the belly of the bus, causing a spark, as suspected. Bus door was jammed as wires snapped. Initial reports suggest that the fire engulfed the bus within minutes. The bus was of “Kaveri Travels” and was going from Hyderabad to Banguluru.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team reached to spot to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.

Since it was an AC bus, the passengers who were able to break the glass of window managed to escape. At least 40 people were on board including driver & bus staff. Since it was early hours many people were asleep the incident came as a shock to them and took time to respond to the situation & delay might have caused them to face difficulty in exiting the fire. But as they came to senses some passengers broke the window glass and jumped for life.

23 passengers who have either managed to escape or rescued are receiving treatment in government & private hospitals. They largely suffered injuries due to jumping out of the bus. FSL is trying to look if anyone is left behind.

As per latest report 25 people have died in the fire.

Byreddy Shabari, Nandyal TDP MP told ""The bus burnt within two to three minutes, We have an eyewitness, who was coming from the opposite direction. He tried to rescue, but couldn't help because within minutes the bus exploded. We could save about 19 people."

The bodies were charred and the process of identification is under process.

The Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy of Andhra Pradesh have visited the site and informed that a comprehensive investigation is underway. They said the government plans to establish a high-powered committee, comprising officials from the transport, police, and revenue departments, to come up with a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for bus speeds on highways.

Transport Minister Reddy pronounced his concerns & said “While newer buses are being equipped with automatic fire alarm systems, the bus involved in the accident was 7 years old and lacked this safety feature. Discussions have been held with Telangana and Karnataka transport ministers to create unified safety guidelines. The state is also coordinating with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to ensure such tragedies are not repeated."

As per information the bus was registered in Odisha seven years & two months before and “Fitness Certificate” is valid up-to 31st March 2027. 

Grief Messages Pour in:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply saddened by the incident. He wrote on X . "My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." PM Modi announced financial support of Rs 2 lakh to the family of those who died in the fire. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, he added.

President Droupadi Murmu posted on X "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."

N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister- Andhra Pradesh extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured government support. Naidu wrote on X "I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. 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,"

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic incident. In a statement, Reddy said the incident was extremely distressing and has deeply shaken him”. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.