KURNOOL, Oct 24: In a tragic accident, at least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a private Volvo bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Chinnatekur village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday.
The horrific blaze broke out around 3:30 a.m. when the vehicle, carrying 41 passengers, suddenly went up in flames. The fire reportedly started from the front portion of the bus and spread rapidly, leaving little time for passengers to react. Twelve people managed to escape by breaking open the emergency exit and sustained minor injuries. They were immediately shifted to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.
Rescue teams faced difficulties due to heavy rainfall in the area, which slowed down firefighting and evacuation operations.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs expressed deep anguish over the tragedy, writing on X:
“Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Kurnool. The loss of over 20 innocent lives is heartbreaking. My prayers are with the victims’ families and those injured. Every possible support must reach them swiftly.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his condolences, calling the incident “devastating.”
“I am shocked to learn about the bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The state government will extend all possible assistance to the injured and the bereaved,” Naidu said.
BJP State President PVN Madhav directed local party leaders to visit the accident site and coordinate with officials. Authorities confirmed that the bus was completely gutted in the blaze, and nine injured passengers are under medical care.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also mourned the tragedy, describing it as “deeply distressing.”
“The news of passengers being burnt alive in the Kurnool bus accident has deeply shaken me. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Reddy said, urging the state government to ensure adequate financial aid and the best medical treatment for survivors.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting a possible short circuit in the engine area.