Andhra Pradesh, India — At least 25 people have died and several others were injured when a passenger bus burst into flames after colliding with a motorcycle in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state. Authorities said most victims were trapped inside the burning vehicle, many of them asleep, as the fire quickly consumed the bus.
Horror on Andhra Pradesh Highway
The accident took place early on Friday morning near Chinnatekuru village, close to Kurnool district, about 210 kilometres (130 miles) south of Hyderabad.
According to senior police official Vikrant Patil, the bus — carrying 44 passengers — was travelling from Hyderabad in Telangana to Bengaluru in Karnataka when tragedy struck.
The bus collided with a motorcycle that rammed into its rear, causing the smaller vehicle to become lodged beneath the bus. The resulting friction and sparks ignited the bus’s fuel tank, leading to a massive explosion.
“The fire spread within minutes,” said Patil. “Dozens of passengers were trapped inside as flames engulfed the bus. Some managed to break the windows and jump out to save themselves, but many others were unable to escape.”
Flames Engulfed the Bus Within Minutes
Eyewitnesses said the entire bus was engulfed in flames within minutes, leaving rescuers helpless as the inferno raged.
Those who survived recounted waking up to thick smoke and screams as the driver stopped and tried to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher — but the effort failed due to the fire’s intensity.
“The smoke spread so fast that people began choking. The driver tried to put it out, but it was uncontrollable,” Patil added.
Police confirmed that 18 passengers managed to escape and are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at nearby hospitals.
The motorcyclist involved in the crash also died at the scene.
Forensic Investigation Under Way
Authorities have launched a forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Early findings suggest that sparks from the dragged motorcycle ignited the diesel fuel tank of the moving bus. The flames spread rapidly, leaving the vehicle completely hollowed out within minutes.
Rescue teams, firefighters, and local villagers worked together to douse the flames, but by the time the fire was extinguished, most of the victims were already dead.
Officials said that DNA testing may be required to identify the charred remains of some victims due to the extent of the burns.
PM Modi and State Leaders Express Condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “heartbreaking tragedy”.
He announced ex gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
“I am deeply pained by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also offered condolences and directed authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance for survivors.
He said the state government will conduct a comprehensive review of road safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Pattern of Deadly Bus Fires in India
This tragedy marks the second deadly bus fire in India in less than two weeks.
Earlier this month, a suspected electrical short circuit caused a bus in Rajasthan to catch fire, killing at least 20 passengers.
India has one of the highest road accident fatality rates in the world, with thousands of deaths annually due to poor road conditions, vehicle maintenance issues, and lax enforcement of safety norms.
Many long-distance buses, particularly those operating overnight routes, lack adequate fire safety equipment and emergency exits.
Transport experts have repeatedly urged authorities to introduce stricter safety regulations, including mandatory fire suppression systems and emergency evacuation training for bus staff.
Survivors Recall the Nightmare
One survivor, who leapt out through a shattered window, said the scene was “like a furnace.”
“I was sleeping when I smelled smoke. I opened my eyes and saw flames spreading fast. Everyone was shouting. I jumped through the broken glass and ran,” the survivor told local media.
Another passenger said the driver’s quick action helped save lives.
“He stopped the bus immediately and tried to help people escape. Without that, no one would have survived.”
Road Safety in Focus
Following the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh police have urged all transport operators to inspect their vehicles for fire safety compliance, especially for night routes.
Officials are also investigating whether the motorcycle involved was speeding or improperly maintained.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined state rescue efforts, while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has requested a detailed report from local authorities.
Key Facts
- Location: Near Chinnatekuru village, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh
- Casualties: 25 dead, 18 injured
- Vehicles involved: Passenger bus and motorcycle
- Bus route: Hyderabad to Bengaluru
- Cause (preliminary): Sparks igniting fuel tank after collision
- Rescue: NDRF and state police on site
- Leaders’ response: Condolences from PM Modi and CM Naidu
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