In a devastating road tragedy, at least 20 passengers were killed and several others injured when a private travel bus caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh early on Friday morning. The Bengaluru-bound bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, had departed from Hyderabad and was carrying around 41 passengers when the horrific incident occurred around 3:30 AM.
According to police reports, the accident took place after a two-wheeler became trapped under the bus, rupturing its fuel tank and triggering a massive explosion. The impact caused the entire bus to be engulfed in flames within minutes, leaving little time for sleeping passengers to react. Most of the victims were charred beyond recognition, and forensic teams have been deployed to assist with identification using DNA testing.
Eyewitnesses recalled hearing screams for help as locals rushed to the site to rescue survivors. About 12 passengers managed to escape through emergency exits and broken windows before the bus was completely gutted. Rescue teams recovered 19 bodies initially, including the motorcyclist, and the death toll was later updated to 20.
Preliminary investigation revealed the possibility of fuel leakage and negligent driving. Rainy conditions may also have contributed to the accident, as the motorcycle reportedly skidded before the bus ran over it. Police have registered a case against the bus driver and his assistant, both of whom fled the spot after the collision. One of the drivers, however, was later detained for questioning after reports indicated he helped rescue several passengers before fleeing.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the lost lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths, describing the incident as “deeply saddening” and offering ₹2 lakh in compensation from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. President Droupadi Murmu termed the tragedy “extremely unfortunate” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry committee comprising officials from the Transport, Roads, and Revenue Departments to investigate potential lapses in safety compliance by private bus operators. The incident has reignited concerns about poor enforcement of safety rules on long-distance buses, particularly along the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway where speeding and risky overtaking are common.
This marks the second major bus fire incident in India within two weeks, following a similar tragedy in Rajasthan earlier this month that claimed 20 lives. With India recording over 180,000 road accident deaths annually, mostly attributed to reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance, road safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement and periodic mechanical inspections of commercial vehicles.
