KURNOOL: Nineteen people were charred to death and several others sustained burn injuries after an air-conditioned sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district early Friday. A motorcyclist, who collided with the bus’s fuel tank and triggered the blaze, also died, bringing the total death toll to 20.
Earlier Kurnool District Collector Dr. A. Siri confirmed that 11 charred bodies have been recovered so far from the bus fire, while 21 passengers managed to escape safely.
According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred around 2:45 am when the motorcyclist rammed into the bus’s fuel tank, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the entire vehicle within minutes.
The motorcyclist, identified as Shiva Shankar (21), a granite daily wage worker and resident of TV9 Colony, Tandrapadu village, in Kurnool district, was also killed in the incident.
As the flames spread rapidly, passengers were trapped inside the burning vehicle. Local residents and police personnel acted swiftly, rescuing several passengers despite the intense blaze. Rescue operations continued through the night with the joint efforts of fire service personnel, police, and medical teams, who brought the fire under control and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Some of the bodies were charred beyond recognition, prompting officials to call forensic teams to collect DNA samples of the deceased.
District Collector Siri said that a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the cause of the accident, with a special focus on the bus’s safety mechanisms, the availability of fire extinguishers, and the driver’s alertness during the journey. Preliminary investigations indicate that the impact on the fuel tank likely caused the fire, though officials suspect that lapses in safety standards among private travel operators could have worsened the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was extremely saddened by the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who died in the fire and Rs 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 people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. 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: PM," read a post by the office of the Prime Minister.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently on an official visit to Dubai, expressed deep anguish over the tragedy. Upon being briefed by senior officials, he held discussions with the Chief Secretary and directed top administrative personnel to rush to the accident site and oversee rescue and relief efforts.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He instructed State officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and take necessary relief measures.
Telangana government also set up a helpline to help the families of the victims.
