Kurnool Bus Fire Tragedy, LoP Gandhi and Kharge Express Deep Grief

Kurnool, Oct 24: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge have expressed profound grief over the horrific bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru Highway near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed 11 lives.

Calling the tragedy “deeply tragic and painful,” LoP Gandhi offered his condolences on social media, urging authorities to implement stronger safety measures for public transport.

“The loss of many innocent lives in the horrific bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru Highway in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply tragic and painful. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Gandhi wrote.
“Recurrent accidents like these raise serious questions about public transport safety. Passenger safety must be a top priority, and accountability must be ensured, including proper vehicle maintenance.”

Kharge also expressed his sorrow, emphasizing the need for accountability in recurring accidents.

“The tragic incident of a bus catching fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway, resulting in the loss of many precious lives, is profoundly distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured,” he said.

Telugu Desam Party leader Nara Lokesh and President Droupadi Murmu also extended condolences, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan describing the accident as “deeply saddening.”

The accident occurred when a private Volvo bus, carrying approximately 40 passengers from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler. Twelve passengers reportedly escaped with minor injuries by breaking open the emergency exit, but the bus was completely destroyed in the blaze.

The incident has sparked calls from political leaders for urgent reforms to improve passenger safety and prevent such tragedies in the future.