At least 18 dead as Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus catches fire near Kurnool after collision

Eyewitnesses said several passengers were unable to escape as the fire spread, while others broke windows to jump out with injuries

PGurus Newsdesk

October 24, 2025

Massive Fire Guts Bengaluru-Bound Bus, 18 Feared Dead

Two-wheeler collision triggers blaze on moving bus at 3 AM

A major tragedy struck early Friday morning when a Bengaluru-bound private Volvo bus caught fire near Chinnatekuru village, about 20 kilometres from Kurnool town, leaving at least 18 people dead and several others injured.

According to officials, the bus, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with around 42 passengers on board, burst into flames around 3 AM after a two-wheeler rammed into it. The impact reportedly triggered a massive blaze that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly, trapping several passengers inside. Some managed to break the windows and jump out, sustaining burns and other injuries. “More than 10 passengers were rescued with injuries,” said a police official at the site.

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ram Prasad Reddy confirmed that 18 bodies had been recovered and shifted to Kurnool Government General Hospital, adding that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.

Local villagers and motorists rushed to help before firefighters arrived, but by the time emergency services reached the site, the bus was completely gutted. Many victims were charred beyond recognition, according to police sources.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the accident, describing it as a “devastating tragedy.” In a post on X, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured full government support to the injured and victims’ kin.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are verifying the exact number of passengers on board.

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