Kurnool fire tragedy | 'Identifying every passenger immediate priority': AP Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy

According to preliminary findings, the mishap is said to have taken place after a bike collided with the Bengaluru-bound bus. The bike is reported to have hit the diesel tank of the bus, triggering sparks that resulted in the fire.

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy said the government’s top priority is to identify all the passengers involved in the tragic bus accident.

He stated that the Andhra Pradesh government is in constant coordination with the Transport Ministers of Telangana and Karnataka and said that the government will extend full support to the families of the victims.

At least 20 people are feared dead after the bus heading to Bengaluru from Hyderabad caught fire on the Kurnool highway in the early hours of Friday, October 24. The bus was completely gutted by flames, resulting in a heavy loss of life.

The mishap occurred near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal, close to Ullindakonda Cross, about 20 kilometres from Kurnool town. The fire reportedly broke out around 3:30 a.m. in the front portion of the Bengaluru–bound Kaveri Travels bus and quickly spread throughout the vehicle. As the blaze intensified, 12 passengers managed to break open the emergency exit and escape with minor injuries. The injured were rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.

According to preliminary findings, the mishap is said to have taken place after a bike collided with the bus. The bike is reported to have hit the diesel tank of the bus, triggering sparks that resulted in the fire.

The Minister clarified that the bus had a valid All-India Permit, giving it the right to operate across States and take route diversions. He asserted that the incident was an unfortunate accident and not a result of any government failure. He informed that 19 bodies have been identified so far.