Bus was on its way from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 41 passengers onboard
TNR News Network
Shimla:
In a horrifying tragedy, 20 passengers were burnt alive after a private sleeper bus caught fire near Chinna Tekur village on National Highway-44 in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
A preliminary probe has revealed that a short circuit caused the automatic door to jam, trapping passengers inside as the flames spread rapidly.
Bus collides with bike, fuel leak sparks blaze
According to the Kurnool district administration, the incident occurred between 3 and 3.10 am when the Kaveri Travels bus, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 41 passengers on board, rammed into a two-wheeler. The impact ruptured the bike’s fuel tank, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.
The inferno was so intense that the bus was reduced to ashes before emergency teams could arrive. While 21 persons, including two children and two drivers, were rescued, 20 others died on the spot. Police officials confirmed that 11 of the victims have been identified so far, while efforts are on to establish the identities of the rest.
Probe points to short circuit, door failure
Officials said the preliminary investigation found that a short circuit might have caused the bus’s automatic door to malfunction, leaving passengers trapped inside. “The entire vehicle went up in flames within minutes. Most survivors were seated near the rear emergency exit,” he added.
Police also stated that many of those rescued were aged between 25 and 35 years. Among the deceased was the rider of the motorcycle that collided with the bus. The remains of the victims have been sent for forensic examination.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, writing on X, “The tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in loss of lives is extremely unfortunate. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also mourned the victims, calling the incident “deeply distressing.” He said officials had been directed to extend all possible assistance to the injured and affected families.
