12 Dead as Bengaluru-Bound Bus Bursts into Flames in Andhra’s Kurnool
At least 12 people were charred to death and several others injured after a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday. The tragedy occurred when a two-wheeler collided with the bus, leading to a massive blaze that completely gutted the vehicle.The bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was carrying approximately 40 passengers when the accident took place near Chinnatekuru village. According to preliminary reports, a two-wheeler rammed the bus from behind and became lodged underneath, striking the fuel tank.
This caused a fire that started at the front of the bus and rapidly engulfed the entire vehicle. While about a dozen passengers managed to break windows and escape the inferno, many others were trapped inside. The two drivers of the bus reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident. Rescue teams rushed to the spot, and at least 11 injured passengers have been admitted to the Kurnool District Hospital.The incident drew immediate condemnation and expressions of grief from leaders across the country.
President Droupadi Murmu called the loss of lives “deeply unfortunate” and extended her condolences. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, currently on a trip to Dubai, expressed his shock and directed senior officials to rush to the scene and provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed his grief and instructed state officials to coordinate with Andhra authorities and set up a helpline, as most passengers were residents of Hyderabad.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP General Secretary Lokesh Nara also conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. This tragedy comes just days after a similar incident in Rajasthan, where 22 people were killed when a bus caught fire, highlighting growing concerns over passenger safety in long-distance travel.
