A devastating accident struck Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday, October 24, 2025, claiming at least 20 lives and injuring several others when a private sleeper bus, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, burst into flames after ramming into a motorcycle from behind. The horrifying incident, which occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kallur mandal, prompted a rapid governmental and public response, bringing to the forefront crucial questions about road safety, vehicle fitness, and emergency preparedness in India’s passenger transport sector.
The Fateful Collision
The private bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was carrying 41 passengers and two drivers when the tragedy occurred around 3:00 AM. Most of the bus’s occupants were asleep, unaware of the impending disaster. According to eyewitness accounts and police statements, the bus struck a motorcycle on National Highway 44. The two-wheeler became trapped under the bus, hitting the fuel tank and triggering an immediate explosion. Flames rapidly engulfed the vehicle, leaving many passengers with little chance to escape.
The explosion was so intense that the bus was reduced to ashes within minutes, making rescue operations extremely difficult. Local residents rushed to the scene upon hearing screams, attempting to save as many as possible before the arrival of fire tenders and emergency services. Despite these efforts, the speed and ferocity of the fire claimed many lives, and the remains of victims were often charred beyond recognition.
Rescue and Survivor Stories
Out of 41 passengers, 21 managed to escape the inferno, including both drivers. Survivor accounts paint a harrowing picture of confusion and panic. Jayant Kushwaha, one of the survivors, recounted that the bus doors were locked, leaving passengers to break emergency windows to escape. Others recalled thick smoke, blinding flames, and an overwhelming sense of suffocation. Quick-thinking passengers broke glass panes and pulled fellow travellers out, but for many, the fire spread too quickly to allow evacuation.
The bus’s main exit door was reportedly jammed, possibly due to a short circuit caused by the explosion. This forced passengers to rely on emergency exits, which some were able to use successfully; however, the limited exit points compounded the tragedy for those caught towards the centre of the vehicle.
Casualties and Support Measures
Authorities reported that of the 41 on board, 20 individuals lost their lives, with 19 bodies immediately recovered and identification underway via DNA analysis. Most of the victims were from Hyderabad, and the rider of the motorcycle was also killed in the catastrophe.
Both state and central governments responded with condolence messages and financial assistance. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced ex gratia payments of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased and ₹2 lakh to those injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a compensation of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the victims from the PM National Relief Fund and ₹50,000 to the injured.
Law Enforcement Action: Drivers in Custody, Probe Formed
Immediately after the incident, both bus drivers initially fled the scene but were tracked by police. As of the latest updates, one driver is in custody and cooperating with investigators, while efforts were underway to locate the second driver, who was absconding. The Andhra Pradesh police, joined by forensic and transport officials, have formed a high-powered probe panel to determine the causes and contributory factors behind the tragedy.
The investigative committee includes officials from the transport, roads, and revenue departments, as well as special teams collecting DNA samples for victim identification and analysing the vehicle’s technical condition. Early findings confirm that despite the bus having valid permits and certification, a sequence of mechanical failures and procedural lapses—particularly involving emergency exit mechanisms—exacerbated the consequences of the collision.
Government and Political Responses
Political leaders at the state and national levels expressed grief and called for urgent reforms in passenger transport safety. The Telangana government promised to seize “unfit” buses and review the safety protocols for private operators. Public calls for a comprehensive review of sleeper bus regulations and improved enforcement of fitness certification processes gained momentum as details of the mishap spread nationwide.
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, whose state was the bus’s intended destination, also called for inter-state collaboration on transport safety, noting similar incidents in the past and emphasising the need for collective action to prevent recurrence.
The Larger Context: India’s Transport Safety Challenge
The Kurnool accident is a grim reminder of recurring safety lapses in long-distance and inter-state private bus operations across India. High-profile accidents in recent years have exposed gaps in the enforcement of vehicle fitness, fire safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and driver accountability. The tragic sequence in Kurnool highlights the critical importance of regular safety drills for drivers and passengers, maintaining clear, accessible emergency exits, and upgrading buses with fire-resistant materials.
Road safety advocates have urged the Ministry of Transport to issue new guidelines specifically targeting sleeper and luxury buses, where the risk of mass casualties is higher due to their structures and occupant loads. Implementing stricter fitness checks, rigorous driver vetting, and robust passenger awareness campaigns are among the prioritised recommendations.
Immediate Aftermath and Ongoing Support
Injured passengers are being treated at Kurnool Government General Hospital and a private facility in the town. Trauma counsellors and social welfare teams have been deployed to assist survivors and the families of victims. DNA testing is underway to expedite the identification and dignified release of those lost in the tragedy.
The investigation committee is expected to submit its report soon, with action promised against any individuals or agencies found negligent. Meanwhile, the tragedy has united communities and leaders in grief and resolve to save lives by learning the crucial safety lessons the Kurnool disaster presented.
