In the predawn hours of October 24, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. A private AC sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler, turning a peaceful overnight journey into a scene of horror. Flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes, trapping passengers inside and leaving rescuers battling against time and heat to save lives.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued as the bus turned into a blazing inferno. “We heard a loud explosion and saw flames shooting from the vehicle,” said a local resident who rushed to the scene. Some passengers managed to smash windows and escape, while others were trapped inside the burning bus. Firefighters and police arrived swiftly, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue efforts extremely difficult. At least 21 people were killed, many of whom were charred beyond recognition, and several others sustained serious burn injuries.
How the accident happened
According to preliminary investigations, the bus — operated by Vemuri Kaveri Travels — was carrying 41 passengers and staff when the collision occurred around 2:45 am. A motorcycle, ridden by a 21-year-old granite worker named Shiva Shankar from Tandrapadu village, reportedly rammed into the fuel tank of the bus while attempting to overtake. The impact caused an explosion that ignited the diesel tank, spreading fire across the vehicle almost instantly. The motorcyclist also died on the spot.
Survivors recounted how the fire spread with alarming speed. The main door was jammed from the impact, leaving passengers struggling to find exits. “I woke up to the smell of smoke and people screaming. I tried to reach the door, but it wouldn’t open. We had to break the glass to jump out,” said a survivor being treated at Kurnool Government Hospital. Many passengers escaped through broken windows, some sustaining injuries from shattered glass and burns.
Rescue operations and emergency response
Police, firefighters, and local villagers were among the first to respond. Fire tenders from Kurnool and nearby stations were deployed immediately. Rescuers battled the blaze for hours before it was brought under control. The injured were transported to the Government General Hospital in Kurnool, where a medical team was on standby to provide emergency treatment.
Kurnool District Collector Dr. A. Siri confirmed that 11 bodies were recovered initially, with more found after the wreckage was cleared. “Out of 41 people on board, 21 managed to escape safely. We have identified some victims, while DNA tests are being conducted to confirm the rest,” she said. A control room and a dedicated helpline were set up to assist relatives searching for missing passengers.
DNA testing and identification challenges
The fire’s intensity left several victims unrecognizable. Forensic teams from Hyderabad and Amaravati were called in to collect DNA samples from the charred remains. Family members of missing passengers were asked to provide blood samples for comparison. Officials said this process might take several days due to the condition of the remains and the need for accurate verification.
“Some of the bodies are completely carbonized, making traditional identification impossible. We are relying on DNA testing to ensure there are no mix-ups,” a forensic officer stated. The process of collecting samples was handled under strict supervision, and results are expected to help families receive closure and begin the process of claiming compensation.
Investigation and possible lapses
Authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the cause of the accident and assess whether safety norms were violated. Preliminary findings indicate that the collision with the motorcycle ruptured the bus’s fuel tank, but investigators are also examining whether faulty wiring, lack of fire extinguishers, or inadequate safety equipment worsened the tragedy.
District Collector Dr. Siri emphasized that the investigation would focus on driver alertness, maintenance records, and compliance with safety standards. “We need to ensure such incidents do not recur. Private bus operators must strictly adhere to fire safety measures, including functional emergency exits and extinguishers,” she said.
Reactions and government response
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 24, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy, announcing an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM National Relief Fund. “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the mishap in Kurnool district. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was on an official visit to Dubai at the time, directed top officials to rush to the site and oversee rescue operations. He also instructed district administrations to provide immediate medical support and coordinate with forensic teams for identification. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended condolences to the victims’ families and promised full cooperation in relief efforts, setting up a helpline for Telangana residents affected by the tragedy.
Safety review and broader implications
Telangana govt sets up helplines to help families of victims in #KurnoolBusAccident @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/SLDHlWAXLn
— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) October 24, 2025
This incident has reignited debate over road and passenger safety in India, particularly regarding long-distance private bus operations. Experts say that while such vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning and comfortable sleeping berths, they often lack adequate emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and properly maintained fuel lines. Investigations in past incidents have shown that poor maintenance and driver fatigue are recurring factors in fatal highway accidents.
Transport safety advocates are calling for mandatory periodic safety audits of private buses and stricter penalties for operators violating safety rules. “The government must enforce real accountability. These tragedies are preventable with proper regulation and safety culture,” said a former transport department official.
A tragedy that shook two states
The Kurnool bus fire has left both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana mourning. Families of victims from multiple districts, including Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, and Anantapur, gathered at the hospital morgue awaiting identification. Emotional scenes unfolded as relatives waited anxiously for updates on their loved ones.
For now, authorities continue to focus on recovery, relief, and support for the survivors. The wreckage has been cleared, but the emotional scars will take much longer to heal. The incident stands as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of even minor safety lapses on India’s busy highways — and a call for urgent reforms to protect lives on the road.
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Harshit Raj
