Bus Fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool Claims 20 Lives; PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Assistance

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh | October 24, 2025 A tragic accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district claimed at least 20 lives and left several others injured when a private Volvo bus caught fire in the early hours of Friday. The bus, carrying 41 passengers, was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it burst into flames near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal. According to preliminary reports, the fire broke out shortly after the bus collided with a motorcycle, leading to a fuel leak that quickly spread through the vehicle. District Collector A Siri confirmed that the incident occurred between 3 am and 3.10 am. “Out of the 41 passengers, 21 have been rescued safely. Among the remaining 20, 11 bodies have been identified so far, and efforts are underway to identify the rest,” the collector said. She added that most passengers were asleep when the accident took place, and the damaged electrical wiring and jammed doors made escape impossible for several of them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated in a post on X. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also expressed his sorrow, calling the tragedy heartbreaking. “Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Kurnool. The thought of over 20 innocent passengers losing their lives in such a horrific way is unbearable. My prayers are with the families of the victims, and every possible support must reach them without delay,” he said in a statement on X. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu conveyed his condolences and assured that the state government would extend all necessary support to the victims and their families. “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones,” he wrote. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan also shared their condolences. President Murmu said she was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured. Vice-President Radhakrishnan described the incident as “deeply distressing,” extending sympathies to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, BJP state leaders, following directions from State President P V N Madhav, visited the site to assess the situation. Authorities confirmed that the bus was completely destroyed in the fire, and an inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the incident. Rescue teams and local officials worked through the early morning hours to control the blaze and recover the victims. A control room has been set up in Kurnool to assist families of the deceased and the injured as investigations continue into the cause of one of the state’s deadliest road tragedies in recent years. Tragedy Strikes in Kurnool: Bus Fire Claims 20 Lives At least 20 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a Hyderabad–Bengaluru bound bus caught fire near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The blaze reportedly began after the vehicle collided with a motorcycle, leading to a fuel leak. Rescue teams managed to save 21 passengers, while efforts continue to identify the deceased. Prime Minister Modi expressed grief and announced ex-gratia aid for victims’ families. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu assured full state support. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the tragic incident that left the bus completely gutted.