In a devastating accident early October 24 morning, at least 20 people lost their lives when a private travel bus operated by Kaveri Travels caught fire on National Highway 44 near Kurnool city in Andhra Pradesh.
The bus, carrying 44 passengers, was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when tragedy struck around 3:30 am, in the wee hours of Friday.
What Caused the Kurnool Bus Fire?
According to police reports, the horrific fire began after the bus rammed into a motorcycle on the highway. The two-wheeler got trapped under the bus, causing a spark that ignited the fuel tank, leading to a powerful explosion. Flames quickly engulfed the vehicle, giving passengers little time to react.
Authorities said the bus door got jammed due to a short circuit, trapping several people inside as the fire spread rapidly. Within minutes, the entire vehicle was reduced to ashes.
The Casualties and Survivors
The accident occurred when most passengers were asleep, which contributed to the high number of fatalities. Those who were awake or managed to wake up during the chaos escaped by breaking the windows.
Preliminary reports indicate that most of the survivors are aged between 25 and 35 years, and among them are two children and two drivers. Shockingly, the drivers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the accident. Police have launched a search operation to locate them and have registered a case in connection with the tragedy.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Local residents rushed to the accident site after hearing cries for help from inside the burning vehicle. They managed to pull out some of the injured passengers before fire tenders arrived. Four fire engines from Kurnool were deployed to douse the flames, but by the time firefighters gained control, the bus was completely gutted.
The injured were immediately shifted to the Kurnool Government General Hospital for medical treatment. Initial reports suggest that most of the passengers were residents of Hyderabad.
The incident has drawn widespread grief and condolences. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow, stating, “The loss of lives in the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently on an official visit to Dubai, also expressed his condolences and directed officials to ensure swift rescue and medical assistance. He ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and stressed that the injured must receive the best possible care.
Investigation Underway
Forensic teams have been deployed to identify the charred bodies, and DNA tests may be conducted where necessary. Police are also examining whether safety lapses or negligence contributed to the incident.
The tragic accident has cast a pall of gloom over both Kurnool and Hyderabad, as anxious relatives wait for confirmation about their loved ones. The police authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue and identification efforts progress.
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