Image Source hindustantimes
A routine overnight journey turned into a devastating tragedy when a Hyderabad–Bengaluru sleeper coach burst into flames on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district early Friday, leaving at least 21 passengers dead and several others injured.
Officials said the air-conditioned bus belonging to Vemuri Kaveri Travels was carrying 41 passengers when it collided with a motorcycle around 2:45 a.m., igniting its fuel tank and triggering a blaze that consumed the vehicle within minutes.
The motorcyclist, Shiva Shankar (21), a granite worker from Tandrapadu village, also lost his life in the accident.
Kurnool District Collector Dr. A. Siri, who visited the site, confirmed that 11 bodies have been recovered so far and the rest are being identified through forensic DNA testing due to severe burns. “Twenty-one people managed to escape, but many were trapped before help could reach them,” she said.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed the bus, with some passengers managing to break windows to flee. Locals and police personnel acted swiftly, rescuing survivors amid the inferno before fire service and medical teams arrived to douse the flames and rush the injured to hospitals in Kurnool.
Officials Order Probe into Safety Lapses
Authorities have launched a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the blaze, including checks on fire safety equipment, fuel tank design, and compliance by private travel operators. Preliminary findings suggest the collision impact ruptured the fuel tank, causing the fire to spread almost instantly.
District Collector Siri said the government will “examine whether basic safety mechanisms and fire extinguishers were in place” and take action if negligence is proven.
National Leaders React
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund.
“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. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently visiting Dubai, called the incident “heart-wrenching” and directed senior officials to coordinate immediate relief and monitor medical treatment for survivors.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed condolences and instructed his administration to assist Andhra Pradesh authorities. The Telangana government has set up a helpline to aid families tracing their loved ones.
Aftermath
By morning, the charred shell of the luxury bus stood as a grim reminder of the tragedy that unfolded on the busy highway. Rescue teams continued to retrieve remains while forensic experts collected samples to help families identify the victims.
Authorities have urged all private bus operators to review fire safety compliance and ensure that passengers’ emergency exits and extinguishers are functional — to prevent another night of horror on India’s highways.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like The Hindu, Press Trust of India (PTI), ANI, and Times of India etc.) transparently.]
