Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway Bus Fire Claims 20 Lives
In a tragic accident on Monday morning, at least 20 passengers were killed and several others injured when a private bus burst into flames on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway. The incident occurred in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, leaving families devastated and authorities investigating the cause.
Eyewitnesses Describe Horror Scene
According to police reports, the bus—operated by a private travel agency—was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when smoke was spotted near the rear. Within minutes, flames engulfed the vehicle, trapping passengers inside. Locals and motorists attempted rescues, but the rapid spread of fire made efforts difficult.
“The screams were horrifying. We tried to save people, but the fire was too intense,” said an eyewitness.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Over a dozen survivors with severe burns were rushed to Kurnool hospitals, with some in critical condition. Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia for victims’ families, while Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pledged support for affected passengers.
Possible Causes of the Fire
Authorities suspect a short circuit or fuel leak may have triggered the blaze. The bus, reportedly diesel-run, is under scrutiny for maintenance issues. Survivors alleged no fire extinguishers were onboard, raising safety compliance concerns.
Public Anger Over Safety Lapses
The tragedy has sparked outrage over India’s weak road safety enforcement. Activists criticized the government for failing to regulate private operators. “This is negligence, not an accident,” tweeted a road safety advocate.
Next Steps: Investigations and Audits
The NHAI has ordered a safety audit for buses on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route. Andhra Pradesh Police filed a case against the bus operator and will question the surviving driver.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter vehicle safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
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