Bus Fire in Andhra Pradesh Leaves 20 Dead, Several Injured
A devastating bus fire on the outskirts of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has claimed the lives of at least 20 passengers, with many more injured. The incident occurred early Friday morning when a private bus carrying 44 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru collided with a motorcycle, causing a fuel tank explosion that engulfed the vehicle in flames. Most passengers were asleep at the time, with many trapped inside before being rescued by locals and fire engines.
Key Takeaways:
- 20 passengers were charred to death in the fire, while 12 others escaped with minor injuries.
- The bus, carrying 44 passengers, collided with a motorcycle on National Highway 44 near Kurnool at 3:30 am.
- The two-wheeler became trapped under the bus and struck the fuel tank, causing an explosion that quickly engulfed the vehicle.
- Most passengers were asleep at the time, with many trapped inside before being rescued by locals and fire engines.
- The bus drivers fled the scene, and police have launched a search and registered a case.
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to supervise rescue and relief operations, ensure medical care, and launch a thorough probe into the accident.
- State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy visited the site and reviewed the situation, while YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed condolences and urged authorities to provide financial aid and quality care for the injured.
Statistics:
- At least 20 passengers lost their lives in the bus fire.
- 12 passengers escaped with minor injuries.
- 44 passengers were on board the bus at the time of the accident.
- The bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.
- The collision occurred on National Highway 44 near Kurnool at 3:30 am.
- Four fire engines were deployed to douse the blaze.
- Injured passengers were shifted to Kurnool Government General Hospital.
Sources:
- Hindustan Times
- Andhra Pradesh Government Press Release (no date provided)