A devastating fire tragedy struck Telangana in the early hours of Tuesday when a private bus carrying passengers burst into flames on the Kurnool highway, leaving at least 15 people feared dead in what witnesses described as a horrific scene.
The Terrifying Incident
The ill-fated bus was traveling through Mahbubnagar district when it suddenly caught fire near the Kurnool highway section. According to preliminary reports, the blaze erupted around 3:30 AM, trapping many passengers inside the vehicle as flames quickly engulfed the entire bus.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Local authorities immediately launched a massive rescue operation upon receiving distress calls. Fire tenders and emergency services rushed to the spot, battling the intense flames for hours. The intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely challenging for the first responders.
Police officials confirmed that the bus was completely charred in the incident, making identification of victims difficult. Forensic teams have been deployed to investigate the exact cause of the fire and determine the final death toll.
Survivors and Eyewitness Accounts
Early reports suggest that some passengers managed to escape the inferno, though many were not as fortunate. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the fire spread rapidly through the vehicle, giving passengers little time to react.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine what caused the catastrophic fire. Key areas of focus include:
- Possible electrical short circuit in the bus
- Mechanical failure that might have sparked the blaze
- Safety compliance of the private bus operator
- Emergency exit functionality during the crisis
The Telangana government has announced compensation for the families of the victims, while Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has expressed shock over the tragic incident and ordered a comprehensive safety review of private bus operations across the state.
