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 12 individuals, according to a senior police official.

Initial reports indicate 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 11 passengers and the biker were confirmed dead, while the status of nine other passengers remains uncertain as police continue their assessment of the situation.

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, with District Collector A Siri stating that 41 people were on board, including the driver. Of these, 21 individuals have been located, and those who escaped are reported to be stable and out of danger. Many passengers were unable to escape due to the fire occurring at night while they were asleep.

Siri noted that the bus door failed to open immediately because some wires were severed, exacerbating the tragedy. Most passengers were from Hyderabad, and officials initially stated that the bus was headed for Hyderabad in neighboring Telangana.

In response to the incident, police are 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. The Road Traffic Association has been urged to implement strict measures against bus operators who neglect safety protocols and materials to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.

DIG Praveen highlighted the absence of fire control measures in the bus, pointing to significant lapses in safety compliance and emergency preparedness.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims and confirming that the injured are receiving treatment. He stated, “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also expressed his sorrow regarding the accident and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He directed the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Gadwal district in Telangana to visit the accident site as part of the relief efforts. Reddy has instructed the establishment of a helpline to assist the families of the victims.