(Image source from: AP)
Many travelers are believed to have lost their lives after a Kaveri Travels bus heading to Bengaluru, which departed from Hyderabad late Thursday night, caught fire close to Chinnatekuru village on the outskirts of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt sorrow over this disaster, which has claimed at least 20 lives. The Prime Minister’s office stated on social media that he is “very saddened by the loss of lives due to an incident in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh” and that his thoughts are with those affected. He also wished for a quick recovery for those who were injured. PM Modi declared a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF to the families of each deceased individual, while those hurt will receive Rs 50,000.
The Kurnool District Collectorate reported that there were 41 individuals on the bus when the crash happened between 3:00 am and 3:10 am on Friday. It was said that the incident occurred when a motorcycle hit the bus, damaging its fuel tank and causing a large fire. The flames rapidly spread through the vehicle, leaving little time for the passengers to respond. So far, 12 individuals have died, and nine are still unaccounted for. According to reports, twelve passengers managed to escape by breaking the window glass. In response to the unfortunate event, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow saying, “The deaths in a tragic bus fire incident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh are very sad. I send my deepest sympathies to the grieving families and pray for the quick healing of those injured,” she posted on social media.
N Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, shared his condolences on social media. “I am devastated to hear about the terrible bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My sincere sympathies go to the families who have lost their loved ones. The government will provide all necessary support to the injured and affected families,” he stated. A traveler on the bus that was engulfed in flames on the NH-44 mentioned that the main door was locked. "At about 2:30-2:40 am, the bus came to a stop, and I woke up. I saw that the bus was on fire... Everyone was asleep on the bus. We woke everyone up... We broke the emergency window at the back because the main door was locked... We jumped out through the window... Many people escaped by breaking the windows..." the passenger recounted.
