At Least 20 Dead After Bengaluru-Bound Bus Catches Fire In Andhra's Kurnool

Last Updated:October 24, 2025, 11:47 IST

According to preliminary information, the private travel bus was carrying around 40 passengers when the incident took place.

After the collision, the bus was completely gutted near Chinnatekuru village on the outskirts of Kurnool. (X)

At least 20 people died after a Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus carrying 40 people caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the wee hours of Friday.

The bus, operating under Kaveri Travels, began its journey from Hyderabad around midnight, and as it was nearing Ulindakonda, on the outskirts of Kurnool city, a two-wheeler coming from behind collided with it and got dragged underneath with its fuel cap open, triggering the blaze that quickly spread throughout the vehicle.

According to preliminary information, the private travel bus was carrying around 40 passengers when the incident took place. Initially, the fire broke out in the front portion of the bus and gradually spread throughout the vehicle.

Around 12 passengers managed to escape before the fire spread rapidly, but several others were unable to escape in time. Around 11 injured passengers were immediately admitted to the Kurnool District Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams for help before the bus was completely engulfed in flames. Locals rushed to the spot and tried to rescue the injured before fire tenders arrived.

“About 19 passengers, two children and two drivers survived the mishap," Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen told news agency PTI.

The bus door got jammed due to a short circuit and the vehicle was completely gutted within minutes. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years, police further said.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy described the accident as “unfortunate," confirming that the department received information around 4:45 am. According to initial reports, a two-wheeler rammed into the bus, triggering a fire that quickly engulfed the vehicle.

“More than 40 passengers were in the bus at that time. As of now, we don’t know the exact number of deaths, but it may be around 28 to 30," the minister said. He added that over 10 injured passengers have been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment as rescue operations continue.

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said that DNA samples are being collected to identify the deceased.

“The bodies are in the bus. We are also ready to conduct a postmortem on the bodies at the scene of the incident, according to the circumstances. Forensic doctors have been sent to the scene of the incident. We are also collecting DNA samples to identify the deceased,: he said.

President Murmu, Other Express Grief

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident. “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," the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

“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. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs50,000," the PMO said in a post on X.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident and assured all possible help to the victims and their families.

“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 affected families," he said in a post on X.

He has also spoken to the state Chief Secretary and other officials to learn the details of the incident and directed all senior officials to rush to the spot and take part in the rescue operations. The Chief Minister also directed that necessary assistance be provided to the injured and affected. The CM advised taking necessary measures to prevent the death toll from rising.

Lokesh Nara, General Secretary, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) also extended “deepest sympathies" to the families who have lost loved ones. He wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed grief over the accident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He instructed state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and take necessary relief measures.

He further spoke with the State Chief Secretary K Ramkrishna Rao and the DGP B Shivadhar Reddy regarding the accident and suggested setting up a helpline immediately. Instructions were given for the Gadwal District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to visit the accident site.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and said that the incident was extremely distressing and has deeply shaken him. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the horrific accident.

Jagan also urged the government to extend generous financial assistance and support to the bereaved families. He also appealed to the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured passengers undergoing treatment in hospitals.

The incident took place days after a similar bus fire in Rajasthan, where 22 people, including three children, were killed and 13 others were severely injured when a bus travelling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire near Thaiyat village on October 14. A suspected short circuit in the vehicle’s air-conditioning unit, which led to a gas leak, is believed to have triggered that blaze.

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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