New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his profound sorrow on Friday for the families of the passengers who perished in the devastating bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru Highway in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Describing the incident as “deeply tragic and painful,” he called for enhanced measures to improve passenger safety. Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress National President, also took to social media to convey his grief over the loss of 11 lives in the blaze.

LoP Gandhi shared his thoughts on the social media platform X, stating, “The loss of many innocent lives in the horrific bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru Highway in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply tragic and painful.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of all the passengers who lost their lives in this tragedy and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he continued.

He emphasized the necessity for stricter safety protocols, asserting, “Recurrent accidents like these raise serious questions about the safety of our public transport systems. Passenger safety must be a top priority, and accountability must be ensured for such incidents, including responsibility for vehicle maintenance.”

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “The tragic incident of a bus catching fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, which resulted in the loss of many precious lives, is profoundly distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of all the passengers who lost their lives in this tragedy and wish a swift recovery to the injured. It is imperative to ensure accountability for these unfortunate recurring incidents.”

Telugu Desam Party leader Nara Lokesh also shared his condolences, saying, “The news of the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district is heartbreaking. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan conveyed their deep grief regarding the tragic bus fire in Kurnool district, which claimed 11 lives. Both leaders characterized the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and extended their condolences to the affected families.

President Murmu remarked on social media, “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.”

Vice President Radhakrishnan expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The catastrophic accident occurred near Chinnatekur in Kallur mandal of Kurnool district when a private Volvo bus caught fire, resulting in significant loss of life. The bus was en route from Bengaluru to Hyderabad when it ignited after colliding with a two-wheeler.

Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 40 passengers were aboard the bus during the incident. Twelve passengers reportedly escaped with minor injuries after breaking open the emergency exit, but the bus was entirely consumed by the fire.