Once again a devastating accident took place on October 24, Friday, where 20 passengers were killed after a private travel bus caught fire due to a collision with a two-wheeler near in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The bus was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the tragedy occurred around 3:30 am on National Highway.
According to police findings, the two-wheeler got trapped under the bus, striking its fuel tank which triggered a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicle within minutes. However, several passengers were reportedly asleep when the bus burst into flames,which left little time for them to escape.
How Did the Accident Happen
Vikrant Patil, Kurnool Superintendent of Police, has told NDTV, “At around 3 am, a bus of Kaveri Travels was going from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. It hit a two-wheeler, and that two-wheeler got stuck under the bus, which probably caused a spark and led to fire.”
Dr. A. Siri, Kurnool Collector said, “Out of the 41 passengers, 21 were rescued safely. Among the remaining 20, the bodies of 11 have been identified so far. Efforts are underway to identify the rest.”
Rescue and Aftermath
Eyewitnesses of the incident said the flames erupted in the front portion of the bus and quickly spread to the rest of the vehicle. However, twelve passengers somehow managed to break the emergency exit and escape, sustaining only minor injuries.
Locals, who heard passengers crying for help, quickly rushed to assist before the fire department arrived. Four fire engines from Kurnool were deployed to douse the flames, but by the time the blaze was controlled, the bus had been completely gutted.
Official Response and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his grief, stating, “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.”
He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “deeply unfortunate” saying, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu shared his condolences on twitter, “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. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also mourned the loss, describing the tragedy as “extremely distressing” and urged the government to ensure financial assistance and the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
