Kurnool Bus Tragedy 20 Dead as Private Bus Catches Fire

A devastating incident struck Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday morning when a private bus caught fire near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal, killing at least 20 passengers and leaving dozens injured. The Kurnool bus tragedy occurred at around 3 am when a Kaveri Travels bus, en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, collided with a two-wheeler on the highway. According to authorities, the two-wheeler became trapped under the bus, hitting the fuel tank and triggering an immediate explosion. The rapid spread of flames left passengers little time to escape, turning the Kurnool bus tragedy into a horrifying scene of fire and chaos.

Several passengers were asleep when the accident occurred, making escape nearly impossible. The Kurnool bus tragedy saw 41 passengers on board, of whom 21 survived, including the two bus drivers who fled the scene. Kurnool District Collector A Siri confirmed that out of the 20 deceased, 11 bodies have been identified so far, with efforts underway to identify the remaining victims. Local authorities and police rushed to the spot to manage the fire and rescue survivors, highlighting the urgency and severity of the Kurnool bus tragedy.

The tragic incident has drawn national attention, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing deep sorrow over the Kurnool bus tragedy. PM Modi announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured. “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time,” the Prime Minister’s office stated. The Kurnool bus tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and support across the country.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences, stating that the loss of lives in the Kurnool bus tragedy is deeply unfortunate. She extended her heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Kurnool bus tragedy underscores the dangers of road accidents and the critical importance of safety measures, particularly in private bus operations across Andhra Pradesh and other states.

Investigations into the Kurnool bus tragedy are ongoing, with authorities examining how the collision led to such a rapid and deadly fire. Police are also tracking the movements of the bus drivers, who escaped the incident. The Kurnool bus tragedy has raised questions about highway safety, bus maintenance standards, and emergency response protocols, prompting officials to review regulations to prevent such disasters in the future.

The Kurnool bus tragedy remains one of the deadliest bus accidents in recent years, highlighting both the human cost of road accidents and the urgent need for stringent safety enforcement. As rescue operations continue and families mourn their loss, the nation is reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance on highways.