Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 24 (HBTV): At least 20 people were killed in a massive fire that gutted a bus in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district in the early hours of Friday.
A Volvo bus belonging to a private travel company, carrying 41 passengers, was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it was completely gutted near Chinnatekur in Kallur mandal.
According to reports, the fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. from the front portion of the bus and rapidly spread throughout the vehicle. As the flames intensified, 12 passengers managed to escape with minor injuries by breaking open the emergency exit. The injured were taken to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment. Heavy rainfall was reported in the area at the time of the incident.
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, writing on X: ‘Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route near Kurnool. The thought of over 20 innocent passengers losing their lives in such a horrific way is heartbreaking. My prayers are with the victims' families and those battling injuries. No words can ease their pain, but every possible support must reach them without delay.’
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said his government would extend all possible support to the injured and affected families. ‘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,’ he posted on X.
Following instructions from BJP State President PVN Madhav, a party leader rushed to the accident site. So far, nine injured passengers are undergoing treatment at the hospital. The bus was completely destroyed in the fire.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic accident, in which several passengers were burnt alive when the private bus caught fire near Chinnatekur on the outskirts of Kurnool.
In a statement, Jagan described the incident involving a bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru as extremely distressing and said it had deeply shaken him. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged the government to provide generous financial assistance and support to the bereaved families. He also appealed to the authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured passengers undergoing treatment.
(ANI)