Horrific Visuals: Hyderabad-Bengaluru Luxury Bus Gutted Near Kurnool; 20 Charred To Death, Several Injured

A horrific accident occurred in the early hours of Friday when a Bengaluru-bound bus from Hyderabad caught fire near Chinna Tekur village, about 20 kilometres from Kurnool town. Twenty passengers were charred to death, and only 11 dead bodies have been identified. Forty-one passengers were on board at the time of the accident.  

Bus Engulfed in Flames Within Minutes: Here's What Happened

According to the preliminary investigation, the fire reportedly broke out around 3 AM after a two-wheeler collided with the moving bus. The bike caught fire after it slid under the bus, which triggered a massive blaze that engulfed the entire vehicle within minutes. The private travel bus was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the tragedy struck. 

The two-wheeler driver Sivashankar (20), who is a resident of Prajanagar, lost his life on the spot after the bus dragged his bike for more than 300 metres after the fatal collision.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread so rapidly that it left little time for the passengers to escape. Local reports also stated that the door of the bus got jammed and only 20 passengers managed to break open the window panes and jumped out to save their lives. They have sustained serious burn injuries.

Transport Minister Ram Prasad Reddy shared crucial details with Republic via phone. He stated that the current confirmed count of casualties at the government hospital is 18, though the total death toll is feared to rise.

Meanwhile, the Transport Department clarified that the ill-fated bus was registered in Odisha’s Rayagada district, not Telangana, and had multiple pending e-challans amounting to Rs 23,000 for overspeeding in Telangana. While the vehicle’s fitness and permit fell under Odisha’s jurisdiction, Telangana officials said that they were extending full cooperation to assist investigators and coordinate relief for victims’ families.

PM Modi Condoles Kurnool Tragedy, Announces Ex-Gratia 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the fire tragedy that took place in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. Taking to X, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, stating that his thoughts were with the affected people during this difficult time.

"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the Prime Minister said.

President, Vice President Express Grief Over Loss Of Lives

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday morning expressed shock over the loss of lives of at least 20 people in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in a massive fire that gutted a bus in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool in the early hours today.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan too expressed condolences. "Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," he wrote on X.

Locals Rush to Rescue: Forensic Team On Spot

The residents of nearby villages and passersby rushed to the spot and tried to douse the flames before the firefighters arrived. However, by the time fire and police teams reached the location, the bus was completely gutted. The forensic team too has inspected the accident spot.
 

The injured passengers were rushed to Kurnool Government General Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment, while authorities continued to verify the exact number of casualties. Local reports quoting police stated that several bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Survivor Breaks Window Panes, Recalls Horror

A passenger who survived the tragedy confirmed the terrifying sequence of events that led to the deadly mishap. He said that as they managed to come out of the bus, they saw a two-wheeler stuck under the bus alongside a crushed body. 

The survivor accused the bus staff of negligence, claiming the driver and conductor were aware the bus had caught fire but fled the scene without alerting the sleeping passengers. “We noticed flames and somehow managed to break open a window to jump to safety,” he narrated.

‘Devastating’: CM Chandrababu Naidu 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his profound shock and grief over the 'devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district'. Taking to X, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the tragedy. 

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Extends Condolences

Taking to X, YSRCOP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote: “The news of the tragic bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I urge the government to ensure all necessary assistance and medical support to the injured and those affected by this unfortunate incident.”