Kurnool tragedy: 19 passengers on board Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus charred to death at Chinnatekuru

Kurnool: At least 19 passengers were reportedly charred to death and several others sustained burn injuries when a private luxury bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorbike near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district early on Friday.

Collision and Inferno in Minutes

The accident occurred around 3.30 a.m. when the sleeper coach, carrying nearly 40 passengers, rammed into a motorcycle. The impact caused the bus’s front portion to catch fire, which spread rapidly to the rest of the vehicle.

The person riding the bike was also killed in the accident. He was identified as Shiva Shankar (20), a resident of Kurnool town.

According to officials, the deceased belonged to Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Eyewitnesses said flames engulfed the bus within moments, followed by a fuel tank explosion. Most passengers, asleep at the time, were jolted awake amid panic and thick smoke. Many were trapped inside as the blaze blocked the exits. A few managed to escape through the emergency exit, sustaining minor injuries.

Locals brave rain to rescue survivors

Locals from nearby shops rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts even as heavy rain hampered operations. Fire tenders arrived soon after, but by then the bus was completely gutted.

Police officials said that the driver and cleaner fled the scene immediately after the mishap. The exact death toll is yet to be confirmed as rescue personnel continue to sift through the wreckage. The injured were shifted to hospitals in Kurnool town for treatment.

Collision sparked blaze, Safety lapses blamed

Senior police officials said the tragic bus fire near Chinnatekuru village was triggered by a collision with a motorcycle.

DIG Koya Praveen stated that combustible materials inside the vehicle fueled the flames, even though the bus’s fuel tank remained intact. He pointed out that the vehicle lacked basic safety mechanisms to either prevent or contain such accidents.

The DIG said out of two drivers, one was in their custody while the other was yet to be traced.

A team of officials including forensic experts pulled out bodies. As the bodies were charred beyond recognition, DNA tests would be conducted to identify the remains.

Identification process underway

Kurnool District Collector Dr. Siri, who is leading the identification efforts, said that 21 passengers have been traced so far. “Of the remaining 20, 11 bodies have been identified, while nine are yet to be confirmed,” she said.

Dr. Siri added that the bus door had jammed during the fire, trapping several passengers inside and worsening the tragedy.

Naidu calls it a ‘Devastating Accident’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently on a visit to the UAE, also expressed shock and sorrow over the mishap.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), he described the incident as devastating and assured that the State government would provide all possible support to the victims and their families.

Naidu directed senior officials to visit the accident spot immediately, supervise relief operations, and ensure the best medical care for the injured.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy offers Condolences

Expressing deep shock over the tragedy, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

He directed Telangana officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and extend all possible assistance.

The Chief Minister spoke to Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy, instructing them to set up an emergency helpline and ensure the Gadwal Collector and SP reach the accident site to oversee relief measures.

As many as 13 ambulances have left from Hyderabad for Kurnool to bring back the bodies.

President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday expressed deep grief over the tragic bus fire in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, which claimed 11 lives. Both leaders termed the incident “deeply unfortunate” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

President Murmu, in a post on social media platform X, wrote, “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."

Vice President Radhakrishnan also shared his condolences on X, saying, “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."

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, he said.

Probe underway

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that diesel leakage following the collision might have triggered the massive fire. Efforts are on to identify the deceased and locate the missing bus staff.

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy visited the accident site. He said the state government would provide all help to families of the deceased.