Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 24 – A tragic incident occurred on Friday when a Bengaluru-bound private bus from Hyderabad caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler in Kurnool district, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals, most of whom were charred beyond recognition, according to a senior police official. Among the deceased was the motorcyclist involved in the collision.

Prominent leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed their sorrow over the incident.

The severity of the situation was underscored by the fact that some bodies were so badly burned that forensic teams were called in to collect DNA samples for identification. Many passengers were unable to escape the fire as the incident occurred at night while they were asleep. Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia payment for the victims’ families.

Initial reports indicated that the motorcycle collided with the bus near Chinnatekur, causing it to become lodged underneath the vehicle with its fuel cap open, which ignited the fire. Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen reported that 19 bodies had been recovered from the bus, with the biker’s body located in the mortuary. 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 engulfed in flames within minutes. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years. District Collector A Siri confirmed that 41 individuals were on board the bus, including the driver, with 21 of them accounted for. Those who escaped the fire are reported to be stable and out of danger.

Siri noted that the bus door did not open immediately due to snapped wires, exacerbating the tragedy. Most passengers were from Hyderabad. Police are currently taking safety precautions, including emptying the bus’s diesel tank. A team of medical experts has been dispatched to collect DNA samples from the charred remains.

The Road Traffic Association is urged to enforce strict measures against bus operators who fail to adhere to safety protocols to prevent similar incidents. The DIG highlighted the absence of fire control measures in the bus, indicating significant lapses in safety compliance.

President Murmu expressed her condolences, stating, “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is deeply unfortunate.” PM Modi also conveyed his grief, stating, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.” He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and assured that government authorities would provide all possible support to the injured and affected families. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy also expressed his condolences and directed local officials to visit the accident site for relief efforts. The Telangana government has established a helpline to assist the families of the passengers involved in the accident, with designated officers available for support.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar also expressed their sorrow regarding the tragic event.