By Sumesh Rajan | October 24, 2025
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA: In a horrifying pre-dawn tragedy, at least 20 passengers were charred to death and several others sustained burn injuries after a Hyderabad–Bengaluru bound private Volvo bus caught fire following a collision with a motorcycle near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday October 24 morning.
The Kaveri Travels Volvo bus, carrying around 41 passengers, was travelling along National Highway 44 (NH-44) when it collided with a two-wheeler at approximately 3:15 a.m. The impact caused the motorcycle—reportedly with its fuel cap open—to get trapped under the vehicle, sparking a massive fire that engulfed the bus within seconds.
Inferno Engulfs Bus Within Minutes
According to police and eyewitnesses, most passengers were asleep when the accident occurred. The flames erupted from the front portion of the bus and spread rapidly due to combustible materials inside. Several passengers were trapped as the main door jammed, forcing others to break windows and the emergency exit to escape.
DIG Koya Praveen said the collision triggered the blaze but confirmed that the bus’s fuel tank remained intact, suggesting that other flammable materials inside intensified the fire. “The lack of adequate fire-safety measures in the vehicle contributed to the high casualty count,” he added.
Rescue Efforts Amid Heavy Rain
Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil confirmed that 43 people, including two drivers and two children, were onboard. “Nineteen passengers, including both children and the two drivers, survived the blaze. The others were burnt beyond recognition,” he said.
Rescue operations were severely hampered by heavy rainfall in the area. Fire tenders from Kurnool and nearby stations rushed to the site but found the bus completely gutted within minutes. The injured were shifted to the Kurnool Government Hospital and nearby private facilities for treatment.
Dr. Siri, who is coordinating the identification process, said 21 bodies have been recovered so far. “Eleven have been identified, while nine remain unrecognised due to severe burns. The identification process is ongoing,” she told reporters.
Forensic Probe Underway
A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has joined the investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. Police officials suspect that a short circuit in the electrical system, following the collision, might have worsened the blaze.
Authorities are also examining whether negligence or technical failure contributed to the tragedy. The bus driver reportedly fled the scene after the incident, though police teams have been deployed to locate him.
Leaders Express Condolences
The devastating accident triggered a wave of condolences from across the nation.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief, saying, “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also mourned the tragedy, describing it as “deeply saddening” and extended sympathies to the affected families.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs posted on X, “Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Kurnool. The thought of over 20 innocent passengers losing their lives is heartbreaking. My prayers are with the victims' families. Every possible support must reach them without delay.”
State Governments Respond
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound sorrow over the incident, directing officials to provide immediate relief and medical assistance.
“I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families,” Naidu stated.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also expressed shock and instructed state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure timely relief measures. The Telangana CMO has directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to establish a helpline for relatives seeking information.
Investigation Ordered
Officials from the transport and police departments have launched a joint investigation into the tragedy. Preliminary findings point to a lack of safety preparedness in the vehicle and possible human error.
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