A major tragedy struck early Friday morning when a private Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus caught fire on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The horrific incident left more than 20 people dead and several others injured.
Among the deceased, a Bengaluru-based family of four, originally from Andhra Pradesh, is feared to have lost their lives in the fire. The family included Ramesh, his wife, and their two young children. They had gone to Hyderabad to celebrate Diwali with relatives and were returning to Bengaluru when the tragedy occurred.
How the Tragic Accident Happened
According to initial reports, the private bus was carrying 41 passengers when it collided with a scooter on the highway. The impact caused the scooter’s fuel to spill and ignite, leading to a massive fire that quickly engulfed the entire bus.
Many passengers were trapped inside and could not escape as the flames spread rapidly. Survivors later recalled waking up to intense heat and smoke, breaking windows to save their lives. The accident scene was described as terrifying, with charred remains of the vehicle scattered across the highway.
Rescue Operations and Forensic Investigation
Local authorities and emergency teams rushed to the scene soon after the fire broke out. Firefighters battled the flames for hours before managing to douse them. A forensic team was deployed to collect evidence and determine the exact sequence of events that caused the bus to burst into flames.
Officials said identifying victims was a challenging task due to the extent of the damage. Forensic experts are using DNA testing to confirm the identities of the deceased passengers, including the Bengaluru family.
Government Response and Condolences
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as one of the most painful tragedies in recent times. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
In his message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that he was “disturbed and pained by the tragic bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route,” calling the loss of so many lives “heartbreaking.”
The Andhra Pradesh government has also announced compensation for the families of the victims and promised a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire.
Safety Concerns and Public Reactions
The tragic incident has once again raised serious questions about passenger safety and emergency preparedness in private transport services. Many commuters on social media demanded stricter regulations for private bus operators and better fire safety standards.
Experts believe that a lack of proper fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and driver negligence often lead to high fatality rates in such accidents. Authorities are being urged to conduct safety audits on private buses operating on long-distance routes.
Conclusion
The Kurnool bus fire is a painful reminder of how quickly life can change in a moment. What was meant to be a joyful return home after Diwali celebrations turned into an unimaginable tragedy for many families. As investigations continue, the focus must now shift toward improving safety measures to ensure such devastating incidents never happen again.