Deadly Bus Fire in Kurnool: Complete Investigation of the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Tragedy That Claimed 19 Lives

NDTV's investigation reveals the bus involved in the deadly fire carried the registration number DD01N9490.

New Delhi:

A devastating fire engulfed a luxury intercity bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru early Friday morning near Ullindakonda in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, claiming 19 lives and leaving several others injured.

Initial investigation reports indicate the accident occurred approximately 3:30 am on National Highway 44, when the air-conditioned sleeper coach operated by Vemuri Kaveri Travels collided with a two-wheeler. Authorities believe the motorcycle became trapped beneath the bus undercarriage, generating friction and sparks that rapidly ignited the fuel system.

Documents obtained by NDTV confirm the bus was registered with the number DD01N9490. Its registration history shows it was first registered in Daman and Diu in August 2018, owned by Vemuri Kaveri Travels, a private operator based in Odisha's Rayagada district. The company's proprietor, Vemuri Vinod Kumar, registered the vehicle using an address in Sai Laxmi Nagar, Rayagada.

The vehicle's registration was transferred to the Rayagada Regional Transport Office on April 29, 2025, less than six months before the tragic incident. Its base tourist permit had been issued by Odisha Transport Department on May 1, 2025, with validity until April 2030. The bus also possessed an All India Tourist Permit from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, granted in August 2025 and valid through July 2026.

The Volvo multi-axle sleeper coach maintained valid documentation across all regulatory requirements:

Fitness Certificate from Silvassa, Daman and Diu, valid until March 31, 2027

Insurance coverage with New India Assurance, valid until April 20, 2026

Road tax clearance until March 31, 2026

Police reports indicate the bus departed Hyderabad around midnight carrying 43 passengers, including driver and staff. Most passengers were asleep when the collision occurred near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. Eyewitnesses reported the fire consumed the entire vehicle in less than three minutes.

Of the 43 individuals aboard, 19 perished while 23 passengers managed to escape. Fifteen survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at government and private hospitals in Kurnool.

Kurnool District Collector Dr. A Siri informed reporters that "the bus door jammed after the wires melted, trapping passengers inside." Forensic Science Laboratory and Regional Transport Authority teams are investigating whether electrical malfunctions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Police officials stated that DNA testing would be necessary to identify some victims due to the severity of the burns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief regarding the tragedy, stating: "Extremely saddened by the loss of lives in the Kurnool bus fire. My thoughts are with the affected families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." The Prime Minister announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased victim's family and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

President Droupadi Murmu described the incident as "deeply unfortunate" and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and assured government assistance for victims. "Authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families," he stated.

Opposition leader and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called the event "deeply distressing" and urged the government to provide financial aid and ensure optimal medical care for survivors. Telugu Desam Party general secretary Lokesh Nara and BRS leader KT Rama Rao also offered their condolences.

(With inputs from Dev Kumar Ghosh)