What Caused the Tragic Fire in Kurnool? Eleven Lives Lost?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire engulfed a private bus in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the tragic loss of eleven lives and leaving nine passengers unaccounted for. Witnesses recount harrowing escape attempts as the bus ignited following a collision with a motorcycle. This incident raises significant questions about safety measures in road transport.
Key Takeaways
- Eleven passengers lost their lives in the bus fire.
- Nine individuals are still missing.
- The bus was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.
- Survivors managed to escape by breaking the windows.
- The fire started after a collision with a motorcycle.
Kurnool, Oct 24 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, eleven individuals lost their lives and nine others remain unaccounted for after a private bus ignited following a collision with a two-wheeler in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday morning.
The bus, operated by a private travel company, was en route to Bengaluru from Hyderabad, carrying 41 passengers, including two children, as reported by officials.
Nineteen passengers managed to escape by breaking the windows of the Vemuri Kaveri Travels Volvo bus. The accident transpired around 3:30 a.m. near Ullindakonda in Kurnool district, according to police.
Kurnool District Collector A. Siri informed the media at the scene that out of the 41 occupants, they have located 21. Eleven of them have been admitted to hospitals in Kurnool.
“We are still trying to locate 20 individuals. Of those, eleven bodies have been found, leaving nine passengers unaccounted for,” she stated.
The Collector noted that the injured individuals are currently in stable condition.
The bus began its journey from Hyderabad at approximately 10:30 p.m.. Upon reaching Kurnool on National Highway 44 (NH-44) around 3:30 a.m., a two-wheeler collided with the bus, becoming lodged underneath it, which is believed to have sparked the fire.
Survivors recounted that the motorbike was dragged by the bus for about 300 meters. Most passengers were asleep during the incident. A survivor mentioned waking to the sound of screams and breaking windows to escape.
Akash, one survivor, expressed that the bus was engulfed in flames within minutes. The majority of the passengers were from Hyderabad.
By the time a fire engine arrived, the bus was fully consumed by flames. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to medical facilities.
The Collector confirmed they are investigating whether the bus struck the bike or if the bike collided with the bus, leading to the fuel leak and subsequent fire.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Koya Praveen stated that the fire originated from the motorcycle. “The bus's fuel tank remained intact; the fire initiated from the bike. The highly combustible materials beneath the bus facilitated the rapid spread of flames,” he explained.
The DIG noted that of the two drivers, one is in custody while the other is still missing.
A team comprising medical personnel, police, fire services, and revenue officials was present at the scene to recover the charred remains. The DIG indicated that DNA testing will be necessary for identifying the deceased.
Point of View
I affirm the need for thorough investigations into this tragic incident. The loss of lives raises critical concerns about road safety and emergency preparedness. We must ensure that such incidents do not recur, advocating for stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures in public transport.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus fire in Kurnool?
The fire is believed to have been sparked by a collision with a motorcycle that became lodged under the bus, causing a fuel leak.
How many passengers were on the bus?
There were 41 passengers on board, including two children.
What is the current status of the injured?
The injured passengers are reported to be in stable condition.
Are rescue operations ongoing?
Yes, rescue operations are ongoing, with teams actively searching for the missing passengers.
What measures are being taken to identify the deceased?
DNA testing will be conducted to identify the charred remains of the deceased.
