Tragedy Strikes on Highway Near Kurnool at least 25 people were killed when a passenger bus burst into flames after a motorcycle crashed into it early Friday in southern India.
The horrific accident occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, as the bus sped along the highway connecting Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
According to senior police official Vikrant Patil, the fire tore through the vehicle within minutes, trapping several passengers inside before rescuers could reach the scene.
“This was one of the most severe bus fires we’ve seen in recent times,” a local emergency worker said, describing the scene as “chaotic and heartbreaking.”
Initial reports suggest that the motorcycle rammed into the bus from behind and got stuck under the vehicle.
Patil explained that it was dragged for some distance, creating sparks that ignited the bus’s fuel tank, leading to a massive explosion.
“As the smoke started spreading, the driver stopped the bus and tried to put the fire out by using a fire extinguisher, but the fire was so intense he couldn’t control it,” Patil said.
Moreover, most of the passengers were asleep at the time of the collision, leaving little chance for many to escape.
Some survivors managed to smash windows and leap to safety, sustaining minor injuries, while others were trapped and burned before help arrived, Patil added.
Emergency teams rushed to the site soon after the incident but faced difficulties controlling the fast-spreading blaze.
The bus was completely gutted, and the motorcycle rider also perished in the flames.
A forensic team has since begun an investigation to determine whether other factors contributed to the explosion.
Authorities are also examining the safety standards of the private bus company involved.
Furthermore, officials are working to identify the victims and notify their families.
The state police have confirmed that the bus had 44 passengers onboard when the tragedy struck.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu both expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
In a statement shared online, Modi said his thoughts were with “those who lost their loved ones in this painful accident.”
Meanwhile, Naidu promised full support for the injured and urged authorities to strengthen highway safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
