Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire: At least 20 people were killed early Friday morning after a private travel bus caught fire following a collision with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
According to initial reports, around 40 passengers were onboard the bus. Eighteen passengers survived, though several suffered burn injuries. Police officials said that many bodies were charred beyond recognition, complicating the identification process.
The incident occurred around 3:30 am, reportedly amid heavy rainfall, which may have contributed to the collision. The impact caused a massive blaze that quickly engulfed the entire bus.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Horror
Eyewitnesses stated that the fire first erupted in the front portion of the bus before spreading rapidly. Amid the chaos, 12 passengers managed to escape by breaking open the emergency exit. They sustained minor injuries.
Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire: According to eyewitnesses, the bus caught fire in the front first and then the flames rapidly engulfed the entire vehicle. (Theorist photo)
They were immediately rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment. The bus was completely gutted in the flames, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by authorities.
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.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 24, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, posting on X: “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.”
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The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
President Droupadi Murmu called the accident “deeply unfortunate,” offering her condolences and prayers for the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also shared his grief: “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinnatekur 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.”
DNA Samples Being Collected to Identify Victims
State Health Minister Sri Satyakumar Yadav described the incident as “deeply shocking” and confirmed that DNA samples are being collected to identify the deceased.
“The bodies are still inside the bus. We are prepared to conduct postmortems at the scene of the incident, depending on circumstances. Forensic doctors have been dispatched, and Mahaprasthanam vehicles are ready to transport the bodies,” Yadav said.
He added that twelve people were admitted to the hospital, with six discharged after treatment. One passenger sustained serious injuries but remains in stable condition.
