Kurnool bus tragedy: Over 20 feared dead as Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus catches fire in Andhra Pradesh

In a devastating road tragedy, over 20 people are feared dead after a private bus was engulfed in flames following a collision with a motorcycle near Chinna Tekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district on Friday.

The Hyderabad–Bengaluru bound bus, carrying around 40 passengers, burst into flames moments after the crash. 

According to Kurnool District Collector Dr. Siri, 21 individuals have been traced so far. Of them, 11 bodies have been identified, while 9 remain unrecognized. She added that the bus door got jammed, preventing passengers from escaping as the fire spread rapidly.

DIG Koya Praveen stated that although the collision with the bike sparked the fire, flammable materials inside the vehicle worsened the blaze. He also pointed out that the bus lacked essential fire-safety mechanisms, even though the fuel tank remained intact.

Only twelve passengers managed to escape by breaking windows, many sustaining serious burn injuries. Fire and rescue teams battled the inferno for hours, and officials said the final death toll will be confirmed after cooling operations conclude.

President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool.

“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,” tweeted President Droupadi Murmu.

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.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 24, 2025

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, instructing officials to extend immediate relief and medical support to the victims.

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…

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 24, 2025

The Kurnool mishap follows a similar tragedy in Rajasthan earlier this month, where 22 people, including three children, died when a Jaisalmer–Jodhpur bus caught fire near Thaiyat village. Investigations later revealed that a short circuit in the air conditioning system triggered the blaze.

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Both incidents have once again raised concerns over passenger safety and fire-prevention measures in long-distance private buses.