Andhra Pradesh Bus Inferno: 20 Dead, Many Charred in Fiery Collision Near Kurnool

A devastating bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district claimed 20 lives early Friday when a private bus, reportedly carrying 40 passengers, collided with a two-wheeler and erupted in flames. Many victims were charred beyond recognition. Heavy rain is a suspected contributing factor. State and central governments have announced high-level inquiries and ex-gratia payments for the victims and injured.

A horrific bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district has left at least 20 people dead and several injured after a private travel bus, reportedly en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, collided with a two-wheeler and burst into a massive inferno early Friday morning. The tragic incident, which occurred near Chinnatekur, has plunged the region into grief.

The catastrophic collision took place around 3:30 AM. Eyewitnesses described flames erupting from the front of the vehicle immediately after impact, quickly engulfing the entire bus, which was carrying approximately 40 passengers. Police officials confirmed that while 18 passengers have been identified alive, the remaining 20 bodies were severely charred, making identification a daunting task for authorities.

Amidst the chaos, 12 individuals managed to break open an emergency exit, escaping with minor injuries. They were promptly rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment. Heavy rainfall was reported in the area at the time of the mishap, leading investigators to explore its potential role in the collision. The bus was completely gutted in the blaze.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced the constitution of a high-level committee, comprising officials from the transport, roads, and revenue departments, to thoroughly investigate the bus fire accident. A detailed report will be submitted to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu upon completion of the inquiry. Minister Anitha also declared an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the affected families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. The focus now turns to victim identification and enhancing road safety measures to prevent such future tragedies.