A Hyderabad to Bengaluru-bound bus caught fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, early Thursday morning, leaving over 12 people dead and several others injured.
The tragedy occurred around 3 a.m. when the bus collided with another vehicle, immediately igniting a fire. Kurnool Superintendent of Police stated, “Some bodies are visible, but we are not able to tell the final numbers,” underscoring the difficulty in assessing casualties due to the intensity of the blaze. Many victims were charred beyond recognition, necessitating DNA sample collection to establish identities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families affected by the accident. He also announced ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured, emphasizing the government’s support for victims during this difficult time.
The Andhra Pradesh state administration responded swiftly, dispatching Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the fire. Police and emergency services worked through the early hours to rescue survivors and secure the accident site. Local authorities confirmed that initial relief and medical aid were provided to those injured in the mishap.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as passengers attempted to escape the burning vehicle. The rapid spread of the fire, combined with the early morning timing, made evacuation difficult. Authorities are examining both the collision and bus safety measures to identify any lapses that may have contributed to the high casualty rate.
The incident has triggered a review of road safety measures along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route, with state officials pledging stricter enforcement of vehicle safety standards and emergency preparedness.
Road safety experts highlighted that over-speeding, vehicle overloading, and inadequate emergency exits in buses remain recurring concerns on Indian highways. This tragedy adds urgency to nationwide efforts to strengthen public transport safety protocols.
Families of the deceased have been urged to cooperate with authorities for DNA testing and identification, while officials continue to gather details from survivors to reconstruct the chain of events leading to the accident.
The Andhra Pradesh bus fire serves as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous road safety compliance and enhanced emergency response measures. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that the full circumstances surrounding the collision and subsequent fire will be thoroughly examined.
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