Hyderabad-Bengaluru sleeper bus catches fire near Kurnool: Over 20 charred to death, 15 injured

A private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru burst into flames near Kurnool’s Chinnatekuru village early Friday morning, killing over 20 passengers and injuring several others.

A horrifying road tragedy struck early Friday morning when a private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Chinnatekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The incident occurred around 3 AM, claiming the lives of more than 20 passengers and leaving over 15 others injured.

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The ill-fated vehicle, belonging to Kaveri Travels, was reportedly carrying 42 passengers when it suddenly went up in flames midway through its journey. Within minutes, the fire engulfed the entire bus, trapping many inside as thick smoke and flames spread rapidly.

Eyewitnesses said several passengers struggled desperately to escape, some managing to break open the emergency door and windows to get out. However, the intensity of the blaze prevented others from fleeing in time. Those who survived sustained severe burns and injuries and were immediately shifted to Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.

Visuals from the spot showed the bus reduced to a charred shell, with firefighters battling the flames and police cordoning off the area. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, though initial reports suggest a possible short circuit.

Kurnool SP Vikranth visited the accident site and oversaw rescue and recovery operations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which has once again raised questions about fire safety standards in private intercity buses.