At least 20 dead as Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus catches fire near Kurnool

At least 20 passengers were charred to death, while 12 others escaped with minor injuries after a private bus was gutted in a fire near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

How the accident happened

The Kaveri Travels bus, carrying around 44 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, collided with a motorcycle on National Highway 44 near the outskirts of Kurnool at about 3:30 am.

According to the police, the two-wheeler became trapped under the bus and struck the fuel tank, causing an explosion that quickly engulfed the vehicle in flames. Most passengers were asleep at the time. A few managed to break windows and jump out, but many were trapped inside.

Locals rushed to assist before fire tenders arrived. Four fire engines were deployed to douse the blaze, but the bus was reduced to ashes. Injured passengers were shifted to Kurnool Government General Hospital. According to the report, most victims were residents of Hyderabad.

The bus drivers fled the scene. Police have launched a search and registered a case.

PM Modi condoles deaths, announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bus fire in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh," Modi said on X. "My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."

He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences, saying the incident was "deeply unfortunate" and extending her prayers for the recovery of the injured. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan joined in expressing grief over the tragedy.

Andhra CM Naidu, ministers express grief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, currently in Dubai, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He directed the chief secretary and senior officials to supervise rescue and relief operations, ensure the best medical care, and provide support to families of the deceased, while ordering a thorough probe into the accident.

Following the incident, State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy rushed to the site and reviewed the situation.

YSR Congress Party chief and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy extended condolences to the victims’ families, called for financial aid and immediate relief, and urged authorities to ensure quality care for the injured.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended condolences to the families of passengers who died in the Kurnool bus tragedy in Andhra Pradesh and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also highlighted concerns over safety arrangements in India’s public transport system and stressed the need for accountability in such incidents.