A devastating road accident in Andhra Pradesh, India, has claimed at least 25 lives after a passenger bus burst into flames following a collision with a motorcycle early Friday morning. The tragic incident occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, about 210 kilometers (130 miles) south of Hyderabad, along a busy national highway.
Bus Erupts in Flames, Trapping Sleeping Passengers
According to senior police official Vikrant Patil, the bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it struck a motorcycle from behind. The bike became lodged beneath the bus, dragging along the road and creating sparks that ignited the vehicle’s fuel tank, triggering a massive fire within minutes.
“As smoke began to fill the cabin, the driver stopped and tried using a fire extinguisher, but the flames spread too rapidly,” Patil told reporters. “Most passengers were asleep and had little time to react.”
At least 18 passengers managed to escape by breaking windows and jumping out, suffering minor burns and injuries. However, many others were trapped inside as the inferno consumed the bus before emergency responders could arrive. The motorcyclist was also killed in the accident.
Rescue Operations and Forensic Investigation Underway
Firefighters and police teams rushed to the scene shortly after the blaze was reported. Authorities said forensic experts are examining the wreckage to determine whether mechanical failure or negligence contributed to the crash.
The charred remains of the bus were seen smoldering on the roadside hours after the fire was extinguished, with rescue teams recovering bodies that were burnt beyond recognition. Officials said DNA testing may be required to identify some of the victims.
Government Response and Condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences to the victims’ families. In a statement, Modi called the accident “deeply distressing” and offered prayers for the injured.
Naidu announced compensation for the families of those killed and ordered an immediate inquiry into the causes of the crash. “We will ensure such tragedies are prevented through stricter safety inspections,” he said.
India’s Deadly Road Safety Record
The tragedy highlights India’s ongoing road safety crisis, where thousands die annually in traffic accidents involving buses, motorcycles, and trucks. Poor infrastructure, speeding, and vehicle overloading remain major causes.
This marks the second major bus fire in India in less than two weeks. Earlier this month, at least 20 passengers died in Rajasthan after a suspected short circuit triggered a similar blaze on a moving bus.
According to government data, India records more than 150,000 road fatalities each year, making it one of the most dangerous countries for road travel globally.
Victims Treated in Local Hospitals
The 18 survivors have been hospitalized with burns and fractures in nearby medical facilities. Local authorities are arranging counseling and assistance for affected families.
Residents of Chinnatekuru said the fire was visible from several kilometers away and described hearing “loud explosions” as the bus’s fuel tank burst.
“It all happened so quickly,” said eyewitness Ramesh Goud. “People were screaming for help, and by the time we arrived, the entire bus was engulfed.”
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