Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 24 – A private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Kurnool district on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of 20 individuals, most of whom were charred beyond recognition, according to police reports. The incident occurred after the bus collided with a two-wheeler, which was also involved in the accident.

The deceased included the motorcyclist. In response to the incident, 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 condolences and sorrow.

Due to the severity of the fire, forensic teams were called in to collect DNA samples from the victims, as many bodies were unidentifiable. An official stated that several passengers were unable to escape the blaze because it occurred at night while they were asleep. PM Modi announced an ex-gratia compensation for the victims’ families.

Initial investigations revealed 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 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 of the survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years. District Collector A Siri confirmed that 41 people were aboard the bus, including the driver, with 21 individuals 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 draining the bus’s diesel tank. A medical team has been dispatched to collect DNA samples from the charred remains.

The Road Traffic Association has been urged to enforce stricter safety measures for bus operators to prevent similar incidents in the future. DIG Praveen highlighted the absence of fire control measures on the bus, indicating significant lapses in safety compliance.

President Murmu expressed her condolences on social media, 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 for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and confirmed that the injured were receiving medical attention. He assured that government authorities would provide all necessary support to the 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 bus passengers, with designated officers available for support. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar also expressed their sorrow regarding the tragic event.