At least 25 passengers were reportedly burnt to death and several others injured when a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Chinnatekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday morning. The accident took place around 3:30 a.m. when the bus, belonging to Kaveri Travels, collided with a motorbike coming from the opposite direction. The impact caused the two-wheeler’s fuel tank to burst, triggering a massive fire that quickly engulfed the bus carrying about 40 passengers.
Eyewitnesses said the flames spread rapidly, leaving little time for those inside to escape. Around a dozen passengers managed to get out before the fire intensified, while several others were trapped inside as the bus door jammed due to a short circuit. Locals rushed to the spot and helped rescue the injured before fire tenders arrived. At least 11 survivors were taken to Kurnool District Hospital for treatment. “About 19 passengers, including two children and two drivers, survived the mishap,” said Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen.
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said forensic teams had been sent to the site, and DNA samples were being collected to identify the charred bodies. “We are ready to conduct post-mortems at the scene if required. DNA testing will help us identify the victims,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “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. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said in a post on X. Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
President Droupadi Murmu also offered her condolences, calling the accident “deeply unfortunate.” “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he was “shocked” by the devastating tragedy. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. The government will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families,” he wrote on X. Naidu directed senior officials to rush to the site and oversee rescue operations, ensuring proper medical care for the survivors.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed grief and instructed officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities for relief efforts. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said the incident was “extremely distressing and deeply shaking,” while TDP leader Nara Lokesh offered his condolences to the bereaved families.
Authorities said the cause of the fire appeared to be accidental, but a detailed investigation has been ordered. The tragedy has once again raised concerns over road safety and fire preparedness in long-distance sleeper coaches operating across South India.
