A devastating bus fire in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including a motorcyclist, after a private bus collided with a two-wheeler early Friday morning. The Kaveri Travels bus was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the incident occurred around 3 am near Chinnatekuru village. Preliminary investigations suggest that the motorcycle became lodged under the bus, causing the fuel tank to burst and ignite a fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences as they attempted to escape the flames. One passenger described waking up to the sight of fire and said, "The main door was locked, so we broke the emergency window and jumped out." Another survivor, Harika, managed to escape through a broken rear door, sustaining injuries in the process. Many passengers were trapped as the fire spread rapidly, and the bus door jammed due to a short circuit, complicating their escape.

District officials reported that 41 people were on board, with 21 passengers accounted for and receiving treatment. The remaining 20 included several who were charred beyond recognition, prompting authorities to call in forensic teams for identification. Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen noted that the bus lacked adequate fire safety measures, which contributed to the tragedy.

In response to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock and condolences, directing a comprehensive inquiry into the accident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

The incident has drawn attention to the need for stricter safety regulations for passenger vehicles, as officials highlighted the absence of fire control measures in the bus. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments are coordinating relief efforts, with helplines established to assist the families of the victims. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief, with leaders across the political spectrum expressing their condolences and calling for thorough investigations into the cause of the fire.