A horrifying scene unfolded on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway early Tuesday when a private bus carrying passengers was completely consumed by flames, resulting in one of the most tragic road accidents Andhra Pradesh has witnessed in recent times.
The devastating incident occurred near Kurnool district, approximately 200 kilometers from Hyderabad, around 5:15 AM. The air-conditioned sleeper coach, operated by Orange Tours and Travels, was transporting passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the catastrophe struck.
Survivors' Harrowing Accounts
Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos and panic as flames rapidly engulfed the vehicle. "I woke up to screams and saw smoke filling the bus," recounted one survivor. "People were scrambling to break windows and escape. It all happened so fast."
Local villagers near the accident site became unexpected heroes, rushing to assist passengers even before emergency services could arrive. Their quick thinking and bravery likely prevented further casualties.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Multiple fire tenders from Kurnool rushed to the location and battled the intense blaze for over an hour. The rescue operation involved:
- Fire department personnel working to extinguish the flames
- Police teams managing crowd control and traffic diversion
- Ambulances transporting the injured to nearby hospitals
- Forensic experts beginning their investigation into the cause
The death toll currently stands at nine individuals, with several others receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation at government hospitals in Kurnool. Medical authorities have confirmed that some victims remain in critical condition.
Official Response and Investigation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed profound grief over the tragic incident and announced ex-gratia payments of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The state government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire might have originated from a short circuit in the air conditioning unit, though authorities haven't ruled out other possibilities. The bus has been sent for mechanical examination to determine the exact cause of the catastrophic blaze.
Road Safety Concerns Raised
This tragic incident has once again highlighted serious concerns about road safety and vehicle maintenance standards in private transport services. Questions are being raised about:
- Safety protocols in private bus operations
- Regular vehicle maintenance and inspection systems
- Emergency exit functionality and passenger awareness
- Fire safety equipment availability in public transport
The Kurnool bus fire serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in India's growing private transport sector.
