At Least 20 Dead as Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Catches Fire in Kurnool; CM Naidu Expresses Condolences
A major tragedy struck early Friday when a Hyderabad–Bengaluru private bus caught fire near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, leaving at least 20 people dead. The incident occurred after the Kaveri Travels bus collided with a bike around 3 am. Within minutes, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, trapping several passengers inside.
According to officials, the bus was carrying around 41 passengers, including two drivers. District Collector Dr. Siri confirmed that 21 people have been traced so far. Eleven bodies have been identified, while nine are yet to be recognized. She added that the bus door got jammed after the fire broke out, preventing many passengers from escaping.
DIG Koya Praveen stated that the collision triggered the blaze, and combustible materials inside the vehicle made it worse. He also pointed out that the bus lacked adequate safety features, which could have helped reduce the fatalities. Despite the intensity of the fire, the bus’s fuel tank remained intact.
🚨 Tragic accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway
— PuneNow (@itspunenow) October 24, 2025
At least 20 people lost their lives after a Kaveri Travels bus caught fire near Kurnool following a collision with a bike.
CM Chandrababu Naidu has expressed condolences and directed officials to provide relief and… pic.twitter.com/uxtRBf18fD
Twelve passengers managed to escape by breaking windows, with many sustaining burn injuries. Fire tenders and police teams reached the spot quickly and carried out rescue operations through the morning. The injured were rushed to the Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and medical care for the injured.
I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur 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…
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 24, 2025
This Kurnool bus fire incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in Rajasthan, where 22 people died when a bus caught fire near Thaiyat village in Jaisalmer district. That fire was later found to be caused by an electrical short circuit.
Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the Kurnool accident to determine whether safety lapses or negligence played a role.
