A devastating fire engulfed a private bus in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday, killing at least 20 passengers and leaving several others injured. The Kaveri Travels bus, carrying 41 people, was on its way from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when tragedy struck near Chinna Tekur village.
According to preliminary investigations, the accident occurred between 3 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. when a motorcycle collided with the bus, rupturing its fuel tank. The resulting leak and subsequent friction are believed to have triggered the massive blaze that consumed the vehicle within minutes. Police officials confirmed that the bike rider was among the deceased.
Eyewitnesses said that the driver, co-driver, and cabin attendant noticed flames near the rear of the bus and managed to jump out before the fire spread, alerting authorities soon after. Unfortunately, many passengers were trapped inside, unable to escape as the inferno spread rapidly.
Kurnool District Collector A. Siri said that rescue operations were immediately launched but recovery efforts were hindered by the intensity of the fire. “The bodies have been charred beyond recognition. Forensic teams are collecting DNA samples to identify the victims,” she said.
The horrific visuals of the burnt-out shell of the bus have sparked widespread grief across the state.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently in Dubai, spoke with officials in Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the situation. Expressing deep sorrow, he said the government would extend all possible assistance to the injured and to families who lost their loved ones. “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,” Naidu said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
TDP leader Lokesh Nara also conveyed condolences, describing the incident as “heartbreaking” and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed anguish over the tragedy, urging the state government to ensure all necessary medical aid and support for those affected. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I urge the government to ensure all necessary assistance and medical support to the injured,” he said.
This incident marks the second major bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route. In 2013, 45 passengers were burnt alive when a private bus caught fire near Palem in Mahbubnagar district, about 140 km from Hyderabad.
As rescue teams continue their efforts in Kurnool, the state reels from another grim reminder of India’s recurring highway tragedies where safety lapses, poor infrastructure, and mechanical vulnerabilities often turn fatal journeys into national mourning.
