A horrific road accident claimed at least 20 lives when a private bus caught fire near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh early Friday morning. The bus, carrying over 40 passengers, was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it burst into flames on National Highway 44. Most passengers were asleep when the tragedy struck.
How the Accident Happened?
According to police reports, the accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. The bus rammed into a motorcycle on the highway, and the bike got dragged underneath. The impact caused fuel to leak, leading to an explosion that quickly engulfed the vehicle.
Officials said the fire spread rapidly after the bus’s fuel tank caught fire. The main door got jammed due to a short circuit, leaving passengers trapped inside as the flames spread. Within minutes, the entire bus was reduced to ashes.
What Survivors shared after the Accident?
Many passengers who were awake or woke up during the crash managed to escape through the windows. Most survivors are between 25 and 35 years old. Two children and both drivers also survived, though the drivers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident.
💔 Heartbreaking tragedy
A devastating fire accident near Chinnatekur, Kurnool, where a Kaveri Travels bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru was completely engulfed in flames
Sadly, over 25 passengers lost their lives, and only 12 managed to survive. Initial reports suggest… pic.twitter.com/N4RL17aoIb
— CA Nagachandra Somu (@snagachandra) October 24, 2025
A survivor, Jayant Kushwaha, described the terrifying moments, “Around 2:30-2:40 AM, the bus stopped, and I woke up, and I saw that the bus caught fire. I couldn’t believe that it was fire. I realized moments after that it was fire. Only three people were awake. We yelled fire and woke everybody up. The doors were locked. We couldn’t locate the drivers. We broke the emergency window as the main door was locked. We jumped out of the window. Many people jumped out of the bus by breaking the windows,” Jayant told ANI.
How did local help in the Rescue Operation?
Residents rushed to the spot after hearing passengers scream for help. They tried to rescue the trapped passengers before the fire brigade arrived. Firefighters from Kurnool deployed four fire engines to control the blaze, but the bus was already destroyed.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to the Kurnool Government General Hospital. Preliminary reports indicate that most passengers were from Hyderabad.
Identification and Investigation
Kurnool District Collector A Siri said, “There were a total of 41 members in the bus, including two drivers. A bike got stuck under the bus. After the accident, petrol leaked from the bike and caught fire. Of the 41 members, we have traced 21 passengers; they are safe. 11 dead bodies have been removed from the bus. 21 members have minor injuries and are undergoing treatment. We have to confirm about the remaining 9 bodies.”
Authorities have deployed forensic teams to identify the victims. DNA tests may be conducted for bodies that are too charred for visual identification.
Leaders Express Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The loss of lives in the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 24, 2025
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, currently in Dubai for an official visit, directed officials to rush to the site and oversee rescue efforts. He said, “All injured must receive the best medical care, and support must be extended to the families of those who lost their lives.”
