Kurnool: At least 20 passengers were killed and several others injured after a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday following a collision with a two-wheeler. Most victims were charred beyond recognition, while survivors recalled leaping from over 15 feet to escape the blaze that gutted the entire vehicle within minutes.

The tragedy happened around 3 am near Chinnatekur on National Highway 44, when the motorcycle’s fuel leaked after the crash and ignited the bus.

Passengers trapped as fire spread within seconds

For many onboard, death came in their sleep. Most passengers were resting when the accident happened, and flames engulfed the bus within moments. The fire reduced the sleeper coach to a metallic shell, leaving rescuers struggling to identify victims.

According to officials, 41 people, including two drivers, were travelling on the bus belonging to Vemuri Kaveri Travels. “Many passengers could not escape the tragedy as it occurred during the night when they were asleep,” said Kurnool District Collector A Siri.

She added that the bus doors failed to open as the wires were cut during the accident, worsening the severity of the fire. The Collector confirmed that 21 passengers were traced and are out of danger, while DNA samples are being collected from the deceased for identification.

Several survivors recounted the tense moments that followed. Nellore-based IT employee S Harika said she was asleep when she woke up to the smell of smoke and flames spreading rapidly.

“When I woke up I saw fire engulfing the bus which spread within seconds,” she told PTI.

“The rear door was broken by a passenger for escaping and we all jumped out from it and I suffered a minor injury on the forehead,” she said.

She is currently under observation at a hospital and said her condition is stable. Harika, who works for an IT company in Chennai, was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru for personal reasons.

Another survivor, Surya from Hyderabad, was on his way to Bengaluru for a job interview at a top IT firm.

“My legs are fractured because I jumped from over 15 feet height. The doctor said I will be fine soon,” he said.

Surya added that there were a few tech professionals onboard.

“Me and Naveen (IT employee), one of the passengers that I had a conversation with, also jumped out from the bus and is now beside me in the hospital. I don’t think I will be able to give an interview in this situation. The local authorities are arranging a vehicle for our way back home along with a police official to ensure safety,” he said.

No safety equipment onboard, say officials

Police said the bus caught fire after the collision with a motorcycle that became trapped under it. “So far, 19 bodies have been retrieved from the charred bus. Biker’s body is in the mortuary,” said Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen.

He said the bus had no fire control systems or safety hammers to break the glass during emergencies, calling it a clear case of safety negligence. “The bus door got jammed due to a short circuit and the vehicle was completely gutted within minutes,” he said.

A fire official also confirmed that the absence of emergency tools worsened the situation. “There were no safety hammers to break glass after the fire accident. The bus driver didn’t stop after the collision with the bike,” he said.

DNA tests and relief measures underway

District officials said forensic teams were called to collect DNA samples to identify the charred bodies. Police and transport authorities are now investigating the safety lapses and the events leading up to the accident.

The injured were shifted to Kurnool Government Hospital, where their condition is said to be stable. Rescue teams are continuing to trace passengers and provide updates to families.

PM, Presidents, and CMs express grief

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several state leaders expressed grief over the tragedy.

“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 family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” President Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Modi shared his condolences and announced an ex gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

“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,” he said.

Telangana, Andhra governments announce compensation

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident, stating that he had spoken with the district officials and ensured medical aid to the injured.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conveyed condolences and directed officials to coordinate with Kurnool authorities for relief operations. His government also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Goud warned that “unfit buses” violating safety regulations would be seized immediately.

“We have directed the transport authorities to seize any unfit buses to eliminate potential threats to life. There is no playing with the lives of citizens,” he said.

He added that the transport departments of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka would jointly explore stricter legislation to prevent such accidents in the future.

DIG Koya Praveen said, “A complete picture of casualties and survivors will emerge only after a thorough investigation and identification of all those involved in the accident.”

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)