In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, a private bus burst into flames in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, killing at least 20 passengers on Tuesday. The tragedy highlights India’s recurring bus fire disasters, exposing deep-rooted safety failures in the country’s transport system.
The Kurnool Bus Fire: What Went Wrong?
The ill-fated bus, traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, caught fire near Kurnool in the early hours. Initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit or fuel leak as the possible cause.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with passengers desperately trying to escape through windows as flames engulfed the bus. Many victims—including women and children—were trapped inside due to missing emergency exits and jammed doors. Locals attempted to help, but the fire spread too quickly. By the time firefighters arrived, it was too late.
India’s Deadly Bus Fire History
The Kurnool tragedy is not an isolated case. India has witnessed multiple horrific bus fires, most of which were preventable:
✅ 2013 Mahbubnagar Fire (45 Dead) – No fire safety equipment on board.
✅ 2016 Punjab Bus Inferno (36 Dead) – No emergency exits, flammable interiors.
✅ 2018 Rajasthan Wedding Bus (33 Dead) – Electrical fault, no fire extinguishers.
Each tragedy follows the same pattern—poor maintenance, flammable materials, overcrowding, and ignored safety rules.
Why Do These Accidents Keep Happening?
Despite repeated warnings, greed and negligence plague India’s transport sector:
🔹 Faulty Wiring & Fuel Leaks – Many buses use outdated, unsafe designs.
🔹 Missing Emergency Exits – Only one or two doors, slowing escapes.
🔹 No Fire Extinguishers or Alarms – Basic safety tools often absent.
🔹 Weak Government Oversight – Corruption allows unsafe buses on roads.
How Can India Prevent Future Tragedies?
Urgent reforms are needed to stop these avoidable deaths:
- Strict Fire Safety Audits – Regular checks for all buses.
- Mandatory Emergency Exits & Fire Suppression Systems – Multiple escape routes.
- Public Safety Drills – Teach passengers emergency protocols.
- Harsher Punishments for Negligence – Cancel licenses of violators.
A Call for Change
As Kurnool mourns, India must ask: How many more must die before real action is taken? Without strict enforcement, these disasters will keep repeating.
— NextMinuteNews
