32 Feared Dead as Bus Inferno Engulfs Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway
In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, at least 32 passengers are feared dead after a private bus caught fire on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru highway early Monday. The tragedy occurred near Palem village in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyala district, approximately 300 km from Hyderabad. Initial reports indicate a possible short circuit as the cause of the rapidly spreading blaze.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaotic Scenes
The ill-fated bus, operated by a private travel agency, was carrying over 40 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. Survivors reported panic as flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes. “Smoke started pouring from the rear, and then the fire spread instantly. People were screaming, but escape routes were blocked,” recounted a passenger who escaped through a window.
Local bystanders attempted rescue efforts, but the fire’s intensity thwarted their attempts. By the time firefighters arrived, the bus was completely charred. Forensic teams are working to identify the victims, with fears that the death toll may rise.
CM Naidu Announces Compensation, Orders Probe
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound sorrow over the incident and announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim’s family. “This is an unbearable tragedy. We will investigate thoroughly and implement measures to prevent such accidents,” Naidu stated.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also offered condolences, stressing the need for enhanced inter-state transport safety checks.
Safety Lapses Under Fire
The accident has spotlighted glaring safety violations in private bus operations. Investigations revealed the absence of functional emergency exits and fire extinguishers—raising questions about regulatory oversights.
Transport officials highlighted recurrent issues: “Many operators compromise on maintenance—overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and untrained staff contribute to such disasters,” an RTA representative noted.
Survivors’ Harrowing Accounts
Among the few survivors was Ravi Kumar, 24, a software engineer with severe burns: “I barely jumped out in time. Others weren’t as lucky.” Anitha Reddy, who lost her family, wept, “I survived, but my life is ruined.”
Government Response
The NDRF and police launched a probe, while Andhra Pradesh formed a committee to audit private bus safety. Social media campaigns like #BusFireTragedy demand stricter enforcement of transport laws.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in India’s road transport sector to avert preventable losses.
— Reporting by Team NextMinuteNews
