Hyderabad–Bengaluru Bus Fire: Tragic Accident Near Kurnool Leaves 22 Dead
Hyderabad / Kurnool | October 24, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com
A major fire accident involving a private travels bus near Kurnool has left several passengers dead, while the exact number of casualties is still unclear. Officials have so far confirmed 22 deaths, with 11 bodies recovered from the burnt vehicle. Kurnool District Collector Dr. Siri Chandana said that several victims are yet to be identified, leaving families of missing passengers in deep distress.
The Tragic Incident
A Volvo bus belonging to Vemuri Kaveri Travels, traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire in the early hours of Friday near Chinnatekur village, close to Kurnool. The bus, which started from Patancheru at around 9:30 PM, had picked up passengers from Kukatpally, Miyapur, Vanasthalipuram, and other stops before heading towards Bengaluru.
Around 3:30 AM, the bus reportedly hit a motorcycle near Ullindakonda Cross, leading to a fuel leak and massive fire. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire bus within minutes.
Survivors said the emergency exit failed to open, trapping many passengers inside. Some managed to break windows and escape. A few people, including the driver and his assistant, jumped out before the fire intensified. Local resident Naveen helped rush six injured passengers to a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses say driver negligence may have caused the tragedy. “If the driver had stopped immediately after hitting the bike, this disaster could have been avoided,” said a survivor receiving treatment at Kurnool General Hospital.
Negligence Allegations
According to preliminary reports, the bus lacked proper safety precautions. The emergency exits were not functioning, and fire safety equipment was reportedly missing. Officials revealed that the bus’s fitness certificate expired in March 2025, and its insurance and pollution certificates had already lapsed in April 2024.
When reporters visited the Vemuri Kaveri Travels office in Kukatpally, the staff quickly shut down the premises and refused to comment on the accident. Authorities suspect negligence by the travel company in maintaining vehicle safety standards.
Helpline Numbers
To help families trace their loved ones, control rooms have been set up at various locations:
- Kurnool Collectorate: 08518-277305
- Kurnool Government General Hospital: 9121101059
- Accident Site Control Room: 9121101061
- Kurnool Police Office: 9121101075
- Hospital Help Desks: 9494609814, 9052951010
Families of the victims can contact these numbers for information and assistance, said Collector Dr. Siri Chandana.
Increasing Death Toll Feared
According to DIG Koya Praveen, there were 43 people onboard, including staff. “So far, 11 bodies have been recovered. Many of the injured are in critical condition, so the death toll may rise,” he said. The motorcycle rider, identified as Shiva Shankar, also died in the collision, and his bike was found completely burnt under the bus.
Summary
This horrific accident exposes serious lapses in vehicle safety and emergency preparedness in private travel services. With investigations underway, authorities are focusing on determining whether poor maintenance and expired documents contributed to the deadly fire.
