A devastating road accident early Friday morning claimed at least 20 lives when a private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru collided with a two-wheeler and burst into flames near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which occurred around 3:30 AM amid heavy rainfall, has left the region in mourning as authorities grapple with identifying the charred remains.
Preliminary investigations indicate the bus, carrying approximately 40 passengers, rammed into the motorcycle, igniting a massive fire that rapidly consumed the vehicle. Eyewitness accounts describe flames erupting from the front section before spreading uncontrollably, trapping many inside. In a frantic bid for survival, 12 passengers managed to pry open the emergency exit and jump to safety, sustaining minor injuries. Six of them have since been discharged from Kurnool Government Hospital after primary treatment, while one remains in stable condition despite serious injuries from the escape.
The two-wheeler rider’s fate remains unclear amid the chaos, and the bus was left completely gutted by the blaze. Slippery roads due to the downpour are believed to have played a role in the collision, though a full probe into the fire’s origin is underway.
Rescue and Identification Challenges
Rescue operations were swift but hampered by the intensity of the fire and weather conditions. Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav confirmed that 18 passengers have been accounted for as survivors. However, several bodies inside the wreckage are severely burned, complicating identification. Forensic teams have been dispatched to the site, with DNA sampling initiated to match victims with families. Postmortems may be conducted on-site if deemed necessary, and “Mahaprasthanam” vehicles—specialized hearses—are on standby to transport the remains.
The injured are receiving top-tier care at Kurnool Government General Hospital (GGH), with the superintendent directed to mobilize all resources. Yadav emphasized the state’s commitment: “We are providing the best possible medical care to the injured.”
| Key Incident Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Chinnatekur village, Kallur mandal, Kurnool district |
| Time | ~3:30 AM, October 24, 2025 |
| Casualties | 20 dead (identification ongoing); 12 injured (6 discharged) |
| Vehicle | Private bus (Hyderabad-Bengaluru route, ~40 passengers) |
| Contributing Factors | Collision with two-wheeler; heavy rain; rapid fire spread |
| Status | Bus fully gutted; DNA sampling for victims; probe ongoing |
Leaders Mourn the Tragedy
The accident has drawn widespread condolences from national and state leaders:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “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.” He announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from the PMNRF for each deceased’s kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
- 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.”
- Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu: “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.”
This tragedy underscores persistent road safety issues on inter-state highways, particularly during monsoonal conditions. Authorities have urged stricter enforcement of speed limits and vehicle maintenance checks. Families of the missing are urged to contact Kurnool police for assistance with identification.
