In a tragic incident, a Bengaluru-bound bus from Hyderabad caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday morning after colliding with a bike. The accident claimed the lives of at least 25 passengers, leaving several others injured and sparking widespread shock and grief.
Bus Catches Fire On Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway
According to The Hindu, at least 25 passengers were killed after a luxury private bus by Kaveri Travels, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district. The accident happened early on Friday at around 3:30 AM. Reportedly, the sleeper bus, carrying nearly 40 passengers, collided with a motorbike coming from the opposite direction.
Media reports suggest that the bus was set ablaze immediately after the collision. The fire then spread rapidly and caused the fuel tank of the bus to explode. Most passengers were asleep at the time and woke up to chaos and thick smoke, making it hard to reach the exit. While many were trapped inside, around 12 of them managed to escape through the emergency exit with minor injuries.
Firefighters from Kurnool reached the spot of the accident with four fire engines to control the flames, but the bus was already reduced to ashes by then.
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PM Announces Ex-Gratia To The Next Of Kin Of The Deceased
After the news of the bus accident on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway that claimed 25 lives, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. He took to X and said, “Disturbed and pained by the tragic bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district. Several precious lives were lost, and many sustained injuries in this heartbreaking incident. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to announce ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased. The post read, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000.”
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The incident has raised concerns about road safety and long-distance bus travel, especially during night journeys. We hope for the speedy recovery of all the injured passengers.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@snagachandra
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