Kurnool: The death toll in the devastating bus fire near Kurnool has climbed to 20, as rescue teams continue to recover charred remains from the wreckage of the ill-fated vehicle. The luxury bus, which was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire in the early hours of Friday after colliding with a two-wheeler on National Highway 44 near Ullindakonda.
Officials confirmed that several more bodies were discovered late Friday night, bringing the total fatalities to 20. Most of the victims are believed to have been asleep when the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m., leaving them trapped inside as the flames spread rapidly.
Tragic Sequence of Events
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accident began when the two-wheeler became lodged under the bus, likely triggering sparks that ignited the fuel system. Within minutes, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the collision.
Passengers who survived described scenes of chaos and horror. Some managed to escape by breaking the windows, but many were unable to get out in time. Around 20 people survived, several of whom are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at local hospitals.
Official Response and Investigation
Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil said that forensic teams and fire safety experts are continuing their examination of the bus debris to determine the exact cause of the blaze. “We have recovered 20 bodies so far. Identification is proving difficult due to the extent of the burns, and DNA tests may be required,” he told reporters.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and directed officials to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed condolences, announcing financial aid of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
