Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh — October 24, 2025:
In one of the most devastating road tragedies in recent years, a luxury AC sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru burst into flames after a collision on the Hyderabad –Bengaluru highway near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The horrific accident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday around 3 a.m., claimed the lives of at least 20 passengers and left many others severely injured.
The Deadly Collision
The ill-fated bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was carrying about 44 passengers when it collided with a motorcycle that suddenly appeared on the road. The impact caused the two-wheeler to get trapped under the front wheels of the bus, reportedly rupturing its fuel tank. Within seconds, the fuel ignited, triggering a massive fire that quickly engulfed the entire vehicle.
The fire spread so rapidly that passengers had little time to react. Several of them were asleep, and by the time they realized what was happening, thick smoke had already filled the cabin. The main door became jammed due to the impact, making escape nearly impossible for many trapped inside.
Eyewitness Accounts and Heroic Rescues
Locals from nearby villages rushed to the spot after hearing loud cries and seeing the burning vehicle from a distance. Many attempted to rescue passengers by breaking windows and pulling people out before the fire intensified. “We saw flames rising high, and people were screaming for help. We tried to save as many as we could, but the heat was unbearable,” said a villager who helped in the rescue.
Some passengers managed to escape through shattered windows, suffering minor burns and injuries. Survivors described moments of terror, confusion, and helplessness as smoke and fire spread inside the bus. “Everything happened in seconds. We couldn’t see anything. I jumped through the window,” recalled a survivor who was later admitted to Kurnool Government Hospital.
The Scale of the Tragedy
Firefighters and police teams arrived at the scene within 20 minutes, but the bus was already engulfed in flames. The fire was so intense that rescuers had to wait nearly half an hour before they could approach the wreckage. By then, the bus had turned into a charred shell, and most of the victims were burned beyond recognition.
Officials confirmed that at least 20 bodies were recovered from the debris, with some reports suggesting the toll could rise as identification continues. More than a dozen injured passengers were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver and cleaner of the bus reportedly managed to escape with minor injuries and are now in police custody for questioning.
Government Response and Investigation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep grief over the incident and announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for each deceased passenger’s family. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care possible. The state government has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the accident and promised strict action against any lapses.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident may have been caused by overspeeding and poor visibility. However, experts believe design flaws and lack of safety measures in private sleeper buses may have worsened the tragedy. The bus reportedly lacked a functional emergency exit and adequate fire extinguishers, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Safety Concerns and Past Incidents
This deadly accident has reignited debate over safety standards in India’s private long-distance buses, which are often poorly monitored despite carrying thousands of passengers daily. In many cases, buses operate beyond permissible limits, with drivers working long, exhausting hours and safety checks rarely enforced.
Transport analysts note that the absence of clear fire-safety regulations, poorly maintained roads, and inadequate driver training continue to cause catastrophic accidents. “Every time a tragedy like this happens, authorities promise stricter laws, but enforcement remains weak. Passengers pay the ultimate price,” said transport expert R. Rajasekhar from Hyderabad.
Similar incidents in the past — such as the 2013 Mahbubnagar Volvo bus fire that killed 45 passengers — have prompted calls for reform. Yet, little progress has been made in enforcing safety compliance, especially among private bus operators.
National Mourning and Public Outrage
As news of the accident spread, social media was flooded with messages of grief, condolences, and anger. Hashtags like #HyderabadBusFire and #KurnoolTragedy trended nationwide in Hyderabad, with citizens demanding accountability and better road safety enforcement. Politicians, celebrities, and community leaders expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.
Relief operations continued throughout the day, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration assisting in the recovery and identification of the deceased. DNA testing may be required for several victims due to severe burns.
A Preventable Tragedy
The Kurnool bus fire stands as a grim reminder of India’s ongoing road safety crisis. With over 1.5 lakh road fatalities recorded annually, the country’s highways remain among the deadliest in the world. Experts emphasize that this tragedy could have been prevented with stricter safety checks, mandatory emergency exits, and driver fatigue monitoring.
As the investigation unfolds, grieving families and the public continue to ask the same painful question — how many more lives must be lost before real change happens?
