20 Dead in Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Accident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool District. Bus Caught Fire After Collision. PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Announces Compensation for Deceased's Families.
Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire: A private bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district claimed 20 lives on Friday morning. The accident occurred near Chinnatekur on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway. According to preliminary reports, the bus caught fire after a collision between the bus and a two-wheeler. Approximately 40 passengers were on board the bus, of whom 18 were in serious condition but were identified as alive. The fire was so intense that many bodies were completely burnt, making identification difficult. The incident took place at around 3:30 AM.
Cause of the Accident
According to the incident, the fire spread after the collision between the bus and the two-wheeler. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire first engulfed the front part of the bus and then rapidly spread throughout the vehicle. Some passengers managed to break emergency exits and escape, sustaining minor injuries. These injured individuals were admitted to Kurnool Government Hospital. Heavy rain was falling in the area at the time of the incident, increasing the likelihood of slippery roads and a collision. Officials stated that the bus door jammed due to a short circuit, and the bus was completely gutted within minutes.
Prime Minister Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over this tragic incident. He posted on the social media platform 'X' that he was deeply saddened by the accident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The Prime Minister extended condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. He announced an ex-gratia payment of two lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured.
Initial Information on the Accident
According to initial information, after the collision between the motorcycle and the bus, the two-wheeler got trapped under the bus. The opening of the vehicle's fuel cap ignited the fire, and the bus was gutted. Most of the deceased were aged between 25 and 35 years. Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, and efforts are underway to determine the causes of the fire.
Karnataka Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Express Grief
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar also expressed deep sorrow over the accident. The Chief Minister stated that it was a heartbreaking incident that claimed many precious lives. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar also conveyed deep condolences to the victim families, affirming that they stand with all affected people.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Expresses Grief
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed grief over the accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. He stated that it is crucial to ensure accountability for such recurring unfortunate incidents. Kharge extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Detailed Account of the Incident
At the time of the accident, 40 passengers were on board the bus. The fire spread so rapidly that many passengers sustained severe injuries. According to initial reports, 12 passengers managed to escape through emergency exits. The cause of the accident is believed to be slippery roads and the collision of the two-wheeler with the bus. Officials stated that the fire could have been caused by fuel ignition and a short circuit.
