Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 24 – A private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Kurnool district on Friday after colliding with a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, as reported by a senior police official.

Official sources have indicated that the death toll may increase, with the biker among the deceased. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy have all expressed their condolences regarding the tragic incident. PM Modi announced an ex-gratia payment for the victims’ families.

Initial reports suggest that the motorcycle collided with the bus near Chinnatekur, causing it to become lodged underneath the bus with its fuel cap open, which ignited the fire. Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen stated, “So far, 11 passengers and a biker have died. Police are entering the bus to assess the situation, and the fate of nine other passengers is yet to be ascertained.” A comprehensive assessment of casualties and survivors will be conducted following a thorough investigation.

The bus door jammed due to a short circuit, leading to the vehicle being completely engulfed in flames within minutes. Most of the survivors, aged between 25 and 35 years, have been accounted for. District Collector A Siri reported that 41 people were on board the bus, including the driver, with 21 individuals having been traced. Those who escaped the incident are reported to be stable and out of danger. Many passengers were unable to escape due to the timing of the accident occurring at night while they were asleep. The bus door’s failure to open immediately, caused by severed wires, exacerbated the tragedy, according to Siri.

Officials initially stated that the bus was headed for Hyderabad in neighboring Telangana. Police are currently taking safety precautions, including emptying the bus’s diesel tank. A team of medical experts has arrived at the scene to collect DNA samples from the charred bodies, as noted by Praveen. The Road Traffic Association has been urged to enforce stricter measures to ensure bus operators adhere to safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

DIG Praveen highlighted the absence of fire control measures in the bus, indicating significant lapses in safety compliance and emergency preparedness. PM Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, stating, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.” He extended his thoughts to the affected families and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock at the incident, stating he had communicated with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police regarding the treatment of the injured. He offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that government authorities would provide all possible support to the affected families.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also expressed his sorrow and directed the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Gadwal district to visit the accident site for relief efforts. He instructed the establishment of a helpline to assist the families of the victims. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar also conveyed their condolences regarding the tragic event.