The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the tragic bus fire near Chinna Tekur village, which claimed 20 lives and left nine others injured in the early hours of Friday, October 24.
The accident involved a private bus belonging to V. Kaveri Travels, which was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. According to preliminary findings, the bus caught fire after colliding with a motorbike, leading to a devastating blaze that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.
The Ulindakonda police have registered an FIR against both the bus driver and the motorbike rider under Sections 125(a) (endangering human life) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Home Minister Anitha Visits Site, Announces Support for Victims
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha, accompanied by Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy, visited the accident site to review the situation and meet with the families of the victims.
She announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh each to those injured. “The state government stands firmly with the victims’ families and will ensure that justice is served. A detailed investigation is being carried out from all angles,” she stated.
The Home Minister further confirmed that 16 teams have been constituted to probe the incident including 10 forensic teams to conduct DNA testing to identify victims whose bodies were charred beyond recognition.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Efforts
According to survivor N. Ramesh, who lodged the complaint with police, the bus was speeding at the time of collision. The accident occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 3:15 a.m., and within minutes, the fire spread throughout the vehicle.
The second driver acted heroically by forcing open the rear exit, helping many passengers escape. In total, 27 people managed to get out safely, though several sustained burn injuries.
The bike rider, identified as B. Shivshankar (24) from Kurnool, was also killed in the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that the motorbike may have already been lying on the road before the bus struck it.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
The Andhra Pradesh Police, along with forensic experts, transport authorities, and fire department officials, have launched a multi-agency probe.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil stated that all possible scenarios including mechanical failure, road visibility, and driver fatigue are being investigated. “We are committed to determining whether negligence or procedural lapses contributed to this tragedy,” he added.
The government’s immediate formation of 16 specialized teams demonstrates its intent to maintain transparency, accountability, and quick resolution.
Victims Identified Across States
Of the 20 victims, six each were from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two each from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one each from Odisha and Bihar. One person remains unidentified pending DNA confirmation.
Authorities have assured that the remains will be handed over to the respective families once identification is complete. Medical teams in Kurnool Government General Hospital and a nearby private hospital are treating the injured, all of whom are reported to be in stable condition.
Renewed Focus on Road and Transport Safety
This tragedy has reignited discussions around road safety regulations and emergency preparedness in inter-state travel. The government has called for a review of private bus operators’ compliance standards, driver training programs, and vehicle inspection protocols to prevent similar incidents.
A senior transport official noted, “Regular inspections, fire safety audits, and emergency response drills must become mandatory for all long-distance private buses operating in the state.”
Commitment to Accountability and Reform
The Andhra Pradesh government’s response has highlighted its determination to ensure justice for victims while strengthening public transport safety systems. Home Minister Anitha emphasized that the investigation’s findings will lead to policy-level reforms in private transport licensing, vehicle safety checks, and driver responsibility norms.
The tragic Kurnool bus fire serves as a stark reminder that safety and vigilance must remain top priorities as the state works toward safer roads and responsible mobility.
