A road accident claimed 12 lives early Friday morning when a private travels bus caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
Preliminary reports suggest there were around 40 passengers on board. Out of these, 18 passengers have been identified alive. Police said several bodies were completely charred, making identification difficult.
According to official sources, the incident occurred around 3:30 am. The bus two-wheeler collision triggered a massive blaze that quickly engulfed the entire vehicle.
Eyewitnesses said flames first erupted in the front portion of the bus before spreading rapidly. As the fire intensified, 12 passengers managed to break open the emergency exit and escape with minor injuries. They were rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.
Heavy rainfall was reported in the area when the mishap occurred, which may have contributed to the collision. The bus was completely gutted in the fire. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.”
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
President of India Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences, saying, “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Expressing grief over the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”
Sri Satyakumar Yadav, Minister of Health, expressed deep shock over the tragedy and said that DNA samples are being collected to identify the victims. “Deeply shocked by the private bus accident that occurred at Chinnatekur in Kallur mandal of Kurnool district,” the Minister said, adding that the Kurnool GGH Superintendent has been instructed to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
“The bodies are still inside the bus. We are prepared to conduct postmortems at the scene of the incident, depending on the circumstances. Forensic doctors have been dispatched to the site. Mahaprasthanam vehicles are ready to transport the bodies. We are also collecting DNA samples to identify the deceased. Twelve people have been admitted to the hospital with minor injuries. Six of them have been discharged after receiving primary treatment. One person sustained serious injuries after jumping from the bus, but his condition is stable,” he said.
