Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 24 (PTI): At least 20 people, including a motorcyclist, were killed after a Bengaluru-bound private bus from Hyderabad caught fire in Kurnool district early Friday following a collision with a two-wheeler, police said.
Officials said the blaze erupted when the motorcycle, which collided with the bus near Chinnatekur, got trapped underneath with its fuel tank open. The bus was engulfed in flames within minutes, leaving several passengers trapped inside as they slept.
Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen said 19 charred bodies were recovered from the bus, while the biker’s body was sent to the mortuary. Forensic teams have been called to collect DNA samples for identification, as many bodies were burnt beyond recognition.
District Collector A Siri said 41 people were onboard, of whom 21 have been traced. Most survivors, aged between 25 and 35, are in stable condition.
The bus door reportedly jammed due to a short circuit, worsening the tragedy. Police noted that the vehicle lacked fire safety measures.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and leaders across the political spectrum expressed grief. PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed condolences and directed officials to provide all necessary assistance.
Authorities have urged stricter enforcement of safety standards for private bus operators to prevent such incidents in the future.
