Kurnool Bus Fire: 20 Dead, Several Injured in Hyderabad–Bengaluru Volvo Bus Tragedy
At least 20 passengers were killed and several others were injured early Friday morning when a Hyderabad–Bengaluru Volvo bus operated by Kaveri Travels caught fire near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
The devastating accident occurred around 3:30 a.m., when the bus carrying 41 passengers collided with a motorcycle, triggering a massive blaze that engulfed the entire vehicle within seconds.
How the Tragic Incident Unfolded
According to police, the collision sparked a fire at the front portion of the bus, which spread rapidly throughout the vehicle, trapping several passengers inside.
Despite efforts to escape, only 12 passengers managed to break open windows and the emergency exit, sustaining burn injuries in the process.
The injured were rushed to the Kurnool Government Hospital, where medical teams are providing treatment.
Officials noted that heavy rainfall in the region at the time of the accident slowed down rescue operations.
Eyewitness and Police Accounts
DIG Koya Praveen stated that the collision caused the initial fire, which was worsened by combustible materials inside the bus.
“The bus’s fuel tank remained intact, but the lack of fire safety measures contributed to the rapid spread of flames,” he said.
Dr. Siri, overseeing the identification process, reported that out of 21 people traced, 11 bodies have been identified while 9 remain unidentified.
She added,
“The bus door got jammed and did not open after the fire broke out, which trapped many inside.”
Official Responses
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs expressed grief on X, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking” and urging authorities to provide all possible support to victims’ families.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said,
“I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekuru. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones.”
Former CM and YSRCP Chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also mourned the loss of lives, urging the government to provide financial assistance to the bereaved and ensure the best medical care for survivors.
Rescue and Investigation Underway
Firefighters and local police teams reached the site quickly and battled the flames for several hours. Cooling operations are still ongoing, and the final death toll will be confirmed after recovery efforts are complete.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire spread due to flammable interior materials, and officials are checking if the bus complied with safety standards.
Authorities have launched a full probe to determine whether negligence or non-compliance with fire safety norms caused the high fatality rate.
Recent Similar Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The Kurnool accident comes just days after a similar bus fire in Rajasthan, where 22 people, including three children, died after a Jaisalmer–Jodhpur bus caught fire on October 14. Investigators later found a short circuit in the air-conditioning system as the cause.
Experts say the two incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety regulations in passenger transport vehicles across India, especially in private intercity bus operations.
✅ Key Takeaways
- 20 passengers dead, several injured in Kurnool bus fire
- Collision with bike sparked the blaze
- 41 passengers were on board; 12 escaped with injuries
- Bus door jammed, delaying rescue
- Investigation launched into safety lapses
- Listing of victims and DNA identification underway
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
