'Deeply unfortunate': President Droupadi Murmu, PM Modi condole deaths in Andhra bus fire

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday condoled the loss of lives in a tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh, terming the accident deeply unfortunate.

A Hyderabad-bound private bus caught fire near Chinnatekur in Kurnool district early Friday after colliding with a two-wheeler, leaving 12 people dead, a police officer said.

Among the deceased was the biker.

"The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured," Murmu said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in a bus fire incident.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh," Modi said in a post on X.

"My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the prime minister said.

"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PM said.

Initial reports said there were about 40 persons in the bus when the motorcycle collided with it and got dragged underneath with its fuel cap open, triggering the blaze.

The bus door got jammed due to a short circuit and the vehicle was completely gutted within minutes. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years, police said.