A late-night bus journey on NH-44 turned into a nightmare in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district after an AC sleeper coach burst into flames, killing 20 people, including the biker whose motorcycle collided with the vehicle. The Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus, operated by Vemuri Kaveri Travels, was carrying 46 passengers when it caught fire near Chinnatekuru village around 3 am on Friday.
Police said the bus hit a motorcycle and dragged it for several metres, causing sparks that ignited the fuel tank. Within moments, the fire swallowed the vehicle, trapping passengers inside. Despite heavy rain, locals, police and fire personnel managed to pull several survivors out as the blaze raged further.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said that it a deeply unfortunate incident confirming that the victims included residents of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha and Bihar. Many bodies were charred beyond recognition, prompting forensic teams to conduct DNA sampling.
As per a report of the New Indian Express, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently in the UAE, announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of deceased victims from Andhra Pradesh and ₹2 lakh for the injured, directing top officials to oversee rescue and relief. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed condolences and coordinated support through a dedicated helpline.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ₹2 lakh for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PMO posted.
Probe and action
Both drivers have been detained for questioning. The Home Minister said 16 forensic teams have been deployed, including 10 for DNA testing. A high-power committee will be formed to examine mechanical, human, and regulatory lapses and recommend stricter highway safety rules.
As per, the New Indian Express, Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy noted that the ill-fated bus was a 7-year-old vehicle and did not have an automatic fire alarm system which is now standard in newer models. He added that this is the third major highway fire incident in recent months, calling for coordinated safety measures with Telangana, Karnataka, and the Union government.
