KURNOOL, Andhra Pradesh: In a horrific tragedy that unfolded in the early hours of Friday, at least 20 people were killed when a private air-conditioned sleeper bus, operated by Vemuri Kuveri Travels, burst into flames after a collision near Chinnatekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The bus, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with approximately 40 passengers on board, was completely gutted in the inferno.
The disaster struck around 3:30 am while most passengers were asleep. Preliminary investigations indicate the bus collided with a motorcycle, which ruptured the two-wheeler’s fuel tank. Leaking petrol, combined with friction and a possible spark, is believed to have ignited the fire. The motorcycle remained lodged under the bus, tragically fueling the blaze.
Reports suggest the bus door became jammed due to a short circuit, trapping passengers inside as the flames rapidly consumed the vehicle. The entire bus was engulfed within minutes.
Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen confirmed to PTI that 19 passengers, two children, and two drivers managed to survive the mishap. Officials noted that most survivors were young adults, aged between 25 and 35.
PM Announces Relief, CM Orders Probe
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the loss of life and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a formal inquiry into the cause of the devastating incident.
Bus Operator’s Troubled History
The tragedy has immediately raised serious questions about vehicle safety and operator compliance. Police records have revealed a disturbing history for the bus, indicating it had accumulated 16 challans against it. These violations included serious offenses such as overspeeding, dangerous driving, and licence violations, highlighting a potentially reckless operational history for the vehicle involved in the accident.
Authorities continue their investigation into the exact sequence of events, focusing on the cause of the collision, the rapid spread of the fire, and the alleged malfunction of the emergency exit mechanism.
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