Tragic Andhra Kurnool Fire: At Least 20 Dead as Bengaluru-Bound Bus Catches Fire

Andhra Kurnool Fire: Bengaluru-Bound Kaveri Travels Bus Catches Blaze, At Least 20 Dead, Rescue and Relief Efforts Ongoing

Andhra Kurnool Fire: Bus Blaze Claims Lives

At least 20 people died after a Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus carrying 40 passengers caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday. The bus, operating under Kaveri Travels, had started its journey from Hyderabad around midnight and was nearing Ulindakonda on the outskirts of Kurnool when a two-wheeler collided with it. The fuel cap of the two-wheeler was open, which triggered the fire that rapidly engulfed the bus.

Initial Chaos and Passenger Escape

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire initially broke out in the front portion of the bus and quickly spread throughout the vehicle. Around 12 passengers managed to escape before the blaze consumed the bus, while others were trapped. Locals rushed to the scene to help rescue the injured, and fire tenders arrived shortly after. Eleven injured passengers were immediately admitted to Kurnool District Hospital for treatment.

Cause and Police Statement

According to Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen, the bus door got jammed due to a short circuit, preventing passengers from escaping. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years. Preliminary investigations indicate that the two-wheeler collision triggered the blaze, which quickly spread due to the vehicle’s fuel. Authorities are continuing rescue operations to ensure no one else remains trapped.

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Government Response

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy described the incident as “unfortunate” and confirmed that over 40 passengers were aboard the bus. Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav stated that DNA samples are being collected to identify the deceased, and forensic doctors were dispatched to the scene. Postmortem procedures are being planned at the site to expedite identification.

National Leaders Express Grief

President Droupadi Murmu expressed shock over the Andhra Kurnool Fire, extending condolences to bereaved families and praying for the recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

State Leaders Mobilize Relief Efforts

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief and assured all possible help to victims and their families. He directed senior officials to rush to the spot, oversee rescue operations, and ensure medical care for the injured. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy coordinated with Andhra authorities and instructed the setup of a helpline for affected families. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also called for generous financial assistance and support for the victims.

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Previous Incidents Highlight Safety Concerns

This tragic Andhra Kurnool Fire occurred just days after a similar bus blaze in Rajasthan, where 22 people, including three children, were killed when a bus caught fire due to a suspected short circuit. Authorities are investigating to prevent future incidents and ensure safer travel conditions on highways.

The Andhra Kurnool Fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road travel and the importance of safety measures in public transport vehicles. Rescue and relief operations continue as authorities work to provide support to the injured and the families of the deceased.

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