At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a bus caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday. The bus, carrying 41 passengers, was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it went up in flames near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a post on X.
According to Kurnool District Collector A Siri, the incident took place between 3 am and 3.10 am after the bus collided with a motorcycle, leading to a fuel leak that triggered the fire. “Out of the 41 passengers, 21 have been rescued safely. Among the remaining 20, the bodies of 11 have been identified so far. Efforts are on to identify the rest,” Siri said.
The District Collector added, “This incident happened late at night, and the passengers were asleep. The bus’s electrical wiring was damaged after the collision, and the doors failed to open. We’re investigating the matter. The two drivers managed to escape the fire. The passengers were travelling from Hyderabad, and we’re tracing the families of the deceased. A control room has been set up to assist.”
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said he was pained by the tragedy. “Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Kurnool. The thought of over 20 innocent passengers losing their lives in such a horrific way is heartbreaking. My prayers are with the victims’ families and those battling injuries. No words can ease their pain, but every possible support must reach them without delay,” Kumar posted on X.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state government would extend all possible support to the victims and their families. “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones,” he wrote on X.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan also expressed condolences over the loss of lives.
“The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” President Murmu posted on X.
Vice-President Radhakrishnan said, “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.”
BJP state leaders, acting on the instructions of State President P V N Madhav, visited the accident site to take stock of the situation.
Authorities said the bus was completely gutted in the blaze, and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
With ANI inputs