Tragic Kurnool Bus Fire Claims 19 Lives After Two-Wheeler Collision on Hyderabad-Bengaluru Route

Nineteen individuals lost their lives when a luxury bus caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh early Friday morning. The bus, which was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 43 passengers on board, experienced the tragic accident near Ullindakonda in Kurnool district.

The journey began from Hyderabad around midnight. At approximately 3:30 am, while on National Highway 44 (NH-44) near Kurnool, the bus collided with a two-wheeler. Police suspect the two-wheeler became lodged beneath the bus, causing a spark that ignited the fire.

In a statement to NDTV, Kurnool Collector Dr. A Siri explained that the bus door jammed as electrical wires snapped. Initial investigations indicate the fire engulfed the entire bus within minutes.

"A Kaveri travels bus was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru around 3 am when it struck a two-wheeler that became trapped under the vehicle. This likely caused a spark resulting in the fire," Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil told NDTV. "The Forensic Science Laboratory team is currently determining the exact cause. Being an air-conditioned bus, passengers had to break windows to escape. Those who managed to break the glass were able to flee."

According to the passenger manifest, approximately 40 people were on board along with the driver and staff. Many passengers were asleep at the time of the accident, which likely complicated evacuation efforts.

Some quick-thinking passengers broke windows and jumped from the burning vehicle. The FSL team continues searching for any potential victims left behind.

Among the 23 passengers who escaped or were rescued, 15 are currently receiving treatment at government and private hospitals. Their injuries primarily resulted from jumping out of the bus.

Ground footage reveals the completely charred remains of the bus.

"The bus was consumed by flames in just two to three minutes," reported Nandyal TDP MP Byreddy Shabari. "We have testimony from a witness traveling in the opposite direction who attempted to help but was unable to as the bus quickly exploded. We managed to save approximately 19 people."

Identifying the victims poses significant challenges as Shabari noted, "the bodies are completely burned. We're making every effort possible."

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy stated that the department is verifying documentation regarding the bus's condition. "We will examine the terms and conditions followed by the bus over the past two months."

Vehicle records indicate the bus was registered in Odisha and was seven years and two months old. Its fitness certificate remained valid until March 31, 2027.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed being "extremely saddened" by the loss of life in the Kurnool bus fire. "My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," PM Modi wrote on social media platform X.

The Prime Minister announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as "deeply unfortunate" and extended "heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members" while praying for the injured's recovery.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and assured government support for victims and their families. "Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families," he stated on social media.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy conveyed "deep shock and grief" over the tragedy. He urged the government to provide financial assistance to victims' families and ensure optimal medical care for the injured.

Telugu Desam Party General Secretary Lokesh Nara extended his "deepest sympathies" to bereaved families and wished for the injured's swift recovery.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president KT Rama Rao offered prayers "for the peace of the departed souls."

This tragedy follows another recent bus fire incident on October 15 in Rajasthan, where twenty people perished when a private bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire. In that incident, witnesses reported that passengers attempting to escape found the bus's only door jammed.