In a devastating incident early Friday morning, a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district. At least 20 passengers lost their lives, while several others sustained serious injuries.
What Happened
- The bus, operated by a private travel firm, was carrying approximately 40 – 41 passengers when the accident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on the highway.
- According to preliminary police reports, a motorcycle rammed into the bus from behind and became lodged under it, damaging the fuel tank. The friction and sparks triggered a massive blaze that quickly engulfed the vehicle.
- Many passengers were asleep at the time and were unable to react immediately. Survivors said they had to break emergency windows to escape as the main doors were jammed.
- Rescue teams later found several bodies severely burnt, making identification difficult. Forensic teams have begun collecting DNA samples for verification.
Response & Aid Measures
- The Andhra Pradesh government announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for each deceased’s family and ₹2 lakh for each injured person.
- Emergency response teams, including multiple fire engines and ambulances, were rushed to the scene.
- Authorities from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are working together since many of the victims were commuters between the two states.
- Transport officials are investigating the bus operator’s safety measures, including vehicle maintenance, door operation and emergency escape provisions.
Major Issues & Safety Concerns
- The incident highlights a serious lapse in inter state travel safety, especially concerning sleeper and luxury buses operating overnight.
- Locked or jammed doors, absence of proper fire extinguishing equipment and blocked emergency exits contributed to the high death toll.
- Experts are calling for stricter enforcement of fire safety standards, fuel tank design reviews, and real time monitoring of private transport operators.
What to Watch Next
- A formal investigation report will determine accountability for negligence.
- Possible actions include suspension of the bus operator’s licence and criminal charges against responsible individuals.
- Transport departments may introduce new fire safety and evacuation norms for long distance buses.
- Families of victims are demanding a transparent inquiry and timely compensation.
