Kurnool (Rajeev Sharma): A night journey turned catastrophic when a Hyderabad–Bengaluru Volvo bus burst into flames after colliding with a two-wheeler in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday. At least twelve people lost their lives, and several others sustained burn injuries in the horrific accident.
The incident occurred near Ullindakonda village on National Highway 44 around 3:30 a.m. The bus, belonging to Kaveri Travels, had left Hyderabad close to midnight carrying 40 passengers and staff. Police suspect that the two-wheeler became trapped beneath the bus, leading to sparks that ignited the fuel tank and quickly set the vehicle ablaze.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed the bus within minutes. Some passengers managed to shatter the windows and escape, but many others were trapped inside as the fire intensified. “Our teams reached the spot immediately after receiving the alert, but the blaze had already spread. It was a tragic sight,” said Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil.
Rescue teams pulled out 11 charred bodies from the wreckage, while search efforts continue for any remaining victims. Around 20 passengers reportedly managed to jump to safety, though several suffered serious injuries. The bus driver is said to have fled the scene shortly after the collision.
Forensic experts are examining the burnt remains of the vehicle to determine the exact trigger of the fire. Officials believe that the fact the bus was air-conditioned may have worsened the situation, as the sealed interiors trapped smoke and heat, leaving passengers little room for escape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating, “Deeply pained by the tragic bus accident in Kurnool. My prayers are with the victims’ families. May the injured recover soon.” He announced a financial aid of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the crash, while the injured are being treated at Kurnool Government Hospital.
What should have been a routine intercity journey became a devastating tragedy, highlighting once again the urgent need for stricter road safety enforcement and improved fire safety standards in public transport vehicles.
