Survivors of the devastating bus fire in Kurnool district have shared harrowing accounts of the tragedy that claimed nine lives, describing scenes of chaos, suffocating smoke, and desperate escapes through shattered windows.
The Moment Panic Erupted
According to eyewitnesses, the first sign of trouble emerged near Gani Atmakur when passengers noticed smoke billowing from the engine compartment. Within moments, the situation escalated into a nightmare.
"We suddenly saw smoke coming from the front of the bus," recounted one survivor. "People started shouting 'fire, fire' and within minutes, the entire vehicle was filled with thick, black smoke making it impossible to breathe or see."
Desperate Escape Attempts
As panic swept through the crowded bus, passengers fought for survival in the choking darkness. The emergency exits became scenes of frantic struggle as people pushed against each other, desperate for oxygen and escape routes.
"The glass windows were our only hope," another survivor explained. "People started breaking them with whatever they could find - bags, elbows, anything. The sound of shattering glass mixed with screams is something I will never forget."
Tragic Loss and Heroic Efforts
Among the nine victims were several who couldn't escape the rapidly spreading flames. Local residents who rushed to the scene described horrific scenes of bodies trapped inside the burning vehicle.
Nearby villagers played a crucial role in rescue efforts, using whatever tools available to break windows and pull survivors to safety before emergency services arrived at the remote location.
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial reports pointing to a possible electrical short circuit in the bus's engine compartment. The incident has raised serious questions about vehicle safety standards and emergency preparedness in long-distance buses.
As families mourn their loved ones, survivors grapple with both physical injuries and psychological trauma from one of the most devastating road accidents in recent Andhra Pradesh history.
