This morning a major tragic accident took place at Kurnool where a VKaveri Travels Hyderabad to Bengaluru bound Volvo bus caught fire after getting hit with a two wheeler on NH-44. When the incident happened, there were 40 passengers in the bus.
According to Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil, the accident took place near Chinna Tekur village at around 3 AM. “The bus hit a two-wheeler which got dragged ahead by the bus for 200 metres triggering a fuel tank burst that might have caused a spark leading to the fire and burned the bus just within 2 minutes. Since it was an AC bus, passengers had to break open the windows. Those who managed to do so are safe.”
As of now 15 passengers with 3 staff members were able to escape from the fire who were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The fire has been brought under control, and rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities are yet to identify the bodies as many of the dead are completely charred to death and are waiting for passenger’s’ data from the VKaveri Head office in Hyderabad. The bodies are yet to be removed from the accident spot.
CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He tweeted, “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. The government will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his grief, calling the incident “extremely distressing.” He urged the government to provide immediate financial aid and ensure the best medical care for the injured.
Currently, Kurnool MP Bastipati Nagaraju is at the spot and examining the incident and inquiring with the officials while Home Minister Anitha is heading towards the incident location to review and oversee rescue operations.