Kurnool, Oct 24: At least 20 passengers were burnt alive and several others injured after a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Chinatekur village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday morning, police said.
The incident took place around 3:30 a.m. on National Highway-44 when the bus collided with a motorcycle. Officials said the bike went under the bus and struck the fuel tank, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed the vehicle within seconds.
“There were about 40 to 44 passengers on board. Nineteen of them managed to escape by breaking windows and jumping out through the emergency exit, but many sustained serious burn injuries,” a police officer at the site said. Those injured were rushed to the Kurnool Government Hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the fire spread so fast that several passengers trapped inside had no time to react. Survivors recounted scenes of chaos as the door of the bus reportedly jammed after a short circuit, making escape impossible for many.
Rescue teams and fire tenders rushed to the spot, but by the time the flames were doused, the bus had been reduced to a charred shell. Officials said the intensity of the blaze was such that most of the bodies were completely burnt, complicating identification.
Initial reports placed the death toll at 12, but officials later confirmed at least 20 fatalities, with the number possibly rising as more remains are recovered.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and ordered a detailed inquiry. He said the state government would extend full support to the families of the victims and ensure the best medical care for the injured.
Police are verifying the passenger list and investigating whether the bus had complied with safety regulations. Preliminary findings suggest the collision ruptured the fuel tank, causing the fire that quickly consumed the vehicle.
The ill-fated bus belonged to a private operator and was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the accident occurred — turning a routine overnight journey into one of the worst road tragedies in recent years in Andhra Pradesh.
