Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh): At least 22 people, including a motorcyclist, have died after a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Kurnool district on Friday following a collision with a two-wheeler, senior police officials said. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise.

According to initial reports, the motorcycle collided with the bus near Chinnatekur, with its fuel cap open, triggering the blaze. The bus was carrying 41 passengers, including the driver. District officials said only 22 passengers have been traced so far, while the remaining are yet to be accounted for. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years.

Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen told PTI, "So far, 11 passengers and the biker have died. Police are entering the bus to assess the situation, and the fate of nine other passengers is yet to be ascertained." He added that a complete picture of casualties and survivors would emerge only after thorough investigation and identification of all involved.

Officials said the bus doors were jammed due to a short circuit, preventing passengers from escaping. Many victims were asleep when the accident occurred. There were no fire control measures on the bus, highlighting lapses in safety compliance and emergency preparedness, the DIG said.

District Collector A Siri confirmed that those who survived are stable. Officials are emptying the bus’s diesel tank as a safety precaution, while a team of medical experts is collecting DNA samples to identify the charred bodies.

The incident drew reactions from political leaders across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives, announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000

," Modi said on X.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and assured government support for the injured and affected families. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, directing officials to visit the accident site and set up a helpline for family members.

 

Authorities have urged the Road Transport Association to enforce stringent safety measures and ensure bus operators comply with fire safety norms to prevent similar accidents in the future.