12 dead as Bengaluru-bound bus catches fire after collision in Andhra’s Kurnool
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh): At least 12 people, including a motorcyclist, were killed after a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire following a collision in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday, police said.
According to officials, the accident took place near Chinnatekur village when the two-wheeler hit the bus and got trapped underneath, triggering a massive blaze as the motorcycle’s fuel tank burst.
“So far, 11 passengers and the biker have died. Police teams are still checking the charred vehicle, and details of nine more passengers are yet to be confirmed,” said Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen.
Preliminary reports suggest the bus door jammed due to a short circuit, leaving several passengers trapped as flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. Many victims were asleep when the fire broke out, officials added.
Kurnool district collector A Siri said the bus was carrying 41 people, including the driver. “Of them, 21 have been traced so far. Those rescued are stable and out of danger,” she said. Most passengers were reportedly from Hyderabad.
A team of forensic experts has reached the site to collect DNA samples for identifying the charred remains. Police have also emptied the bus’s fuel tank as a precautionary measure.
DIG Praveen noted that the bus lacked basic fire safety equipment, calling it a serious lapse in compliance. He urged strict enforcement of safety norms for private transport operators to prevent such tragedies.
Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, posting on X: “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.”
Andhra Pradesh chief mnister N Chandrababu Naidu said he was “shocked” by the devastating accident and had spoken to local officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones,” he said.
Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy also condoled the deaths and directed the Gadwal district officials to visit the site and coordinate relief efforts. He instructed that a helpline be set up to assist families of the victims.
(with agency inputs)
