A Hyderabad–Bengaluru sleeper bus caught fire after a collision near Kurnool, killing at least 25 people.
Flames spread rapidly after impact, trapping passengers inside before locals and fire crews arrived.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers expressed condolences and ordered relief measures.
At least 25 passengers were reportedly killed and several others injured when a private sleeper coach travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district early on Friday, 24 October.
According to The Hindu, the luxury coach, carrying about 40 passengers, was struck by a bike coming from the opposite direction at around 3.30 a.m. Flames broke out from the front of the bus immediately after the impact and spread rapidly, causing the fuel tank to explode and the vehicle to be engulfed within minutes.
Many passengers, who were asleep, woke up amid screams and confusion. Some escaped through the emergency exit with minor injuries, while others were trapped as thick smoke and flames cut off access to exits, The Hindu reported. Locals from a nearby kiosk rushed to help but their rescue efforts were hampered by heavy rain, and the bus was gutted before fire tenders could bring the blaze under control.
The bus had a total of 43 passengers, out of which 23 escaped. Eleven dead bodies were found on the spot and remaining yet to be clarified. Andhra Pradesh Minister for Transport Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy rushed to the spot at Chinnatekur village in Kalluru mandal of Kurnool district.
Police said the driver and cleaner went missing after the mishap, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, instructing state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and arrange relief measures. He spoke with the Chief Secretary K. Ramkrishna Rao and the Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy, and suggested that a helpline be set up immediately. The Gadwal District Collector and the Superintendent of Police were asked to visit the accident site.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is on a UAE tour, described the incident as “devastating” and said the government would extend all possible support to the injured and affected families. In a message on X, he directed senior officials to visit the spot and to ensure the best efforts are made to save those with severe burns.
PM Announces Ex-Gratia For Victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the bus fire incident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh,” Mr. Modi wrote on X. “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
He added that an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive ₹50,000.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed heartfelt condolences for the families of all the passengers who lost their lives and hoped for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"Such recurring accidents raise serious questions about the safety arrangements of our public transportation. Passenger safety is the top priority, and along with the responsibility for vehicle maintenance, it is essential to ensure accountability for these incidents," he said on X.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
