Post by : Rameen Ariff

Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh): In a heartbreaking incident, at least 12 individuals lost their lives and many were injured in a bus fire early on Friday in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The devastating accident involved a Hyderabad–Bengaluru private bus that caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler around 3:30 am, leading to a rapid blaze that engulfed the bus.

Initial reports suggest that there were about 40 individuals onboard, with 18 managing to escape through emergency exits as the fire spread. Eyewitness accounts indicate that flames erupted from the front of the bus, rapidly consuming the vehicle. Many victims were left unidentifiable due to severe burns.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene. Officials indicated that adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, might have contributed to the tragic collision. Investigations are ongoing regarding the fire's cause, which completely destroyed the bus.

Health Minister Sri Satyakumar Yadav stated, “The bodies are still inside the bus. We are conducting postmortems on-site based on the circumstances.” He emphasized that DNA samples are being collected for identification. Twelve passengers suffered minor injuries, and six have already been released from care.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with condolences pouring in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow online, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Kurnool district. My thoughts are with the affected and their families.” He has announced ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

President Droupadi Murmu described the accident as “deeply unfortunate” and extended her heartfelt condolences to the victims' families. Chief Minister Naidu stated, “I am shocked by this tragic incident. My deepest sympathies go to the grieving families, and the government will support the injured and those affected.”

Many survivors reported that the fire spread alarmingly fast, and they had to break windows and escape in panic. The Kurnool bus accident has reignited discussions about road safety, particularly concerning late-night travel on hazardous highways.

As rescue teams continue their work, relatives of passengers are gathering at Kurnool Government Hospital, searching for news of their loved ones. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for improved safety measures and emergency protocols for long-distance travel.

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