12 Dead, 15 Injured as Sleeper Bus Bursts into Flames After Collision on Hyderabad–Bengaluru Highway in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool District

Kurnool: A devastating accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway early Friday left at least 12 people dead and 15 others injured after a private sleeper bus carrying 42 passengers caught fire near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district.

According to initial reports, the bus, operated by Kaleshwaram Travels, was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it collided with a motorcycle around 3 a.m. The impact triggered a massive fire that rapidly engulfed the vehicle, trapping many passengers inside.

Local residents rushed to the scene upon hearing cries for help, while fire tenders and police teams from nearby stations were immediately dispatched. Fire officials said the blaze was brought under control after intense firefighting efforts, and cooling operations are currently underway. “The charred remains of 12 passengers have been recovered, while 15 others have been rescued with burns and shifted to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment,” a senior fire department officer confirmed.

District officials stated that 42 individuals, including the driver and cleaner, were on board when the tragedy occurred. Many passengers were asleep at the time, which made evacuation difficult. The Kurnool police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to identify the victims.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the accident, calling it a “deeply unfortunate tragedy.” In a message on X, she wrote, “The loss of lives in the bus fire accident in Kurnool is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed sorrow and directed officials to ensure immediate assistance to the victims and their families. “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire near Chinnatekur village. The government will extend all possible support to those affected,” Naidu said in a post. The Chief Minister has instructed the district administration to expedite rescue efforts and provide the best possible medical care to the injured.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also issued a statement expressing deep shock and grief over the incident. “The horrifying loss of lives in the Kurnool bus fire has deeply saddened me. My prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones,” Reddy said.