Andhra Pradesh Mourns Kurnool Bus Tragedy
A devastating bus accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, claimed 12 lives and left over 20 injured. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ex gratia payments of Rs 5 lakh for deceased victims’ families and Rs 2 lakh for the injured. The incident has sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The bus, carrying over 50 passengers, veered off-road and plunged into a gorge near Kurnool. Preliminary reports suggest brake failure or driver error as potential causes. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as locals and emergency teams, including NDRF, struggled with difficult terrain to rescue survivors.
Government’s Swift Response
- Ex Gratia Relief: Rs 5 lakh for families of deceased, Rs 2 lakh for injured.
- Medical Care: Injured to receive free treatment at government hospitals.
- Probe Ordered: Transport Minister Pinipe Viswaroop announced a high-level inquiry to determine accountability.
Road Safety Concerns & Public Outrage
The tragedy has reignited debates on India’s road safety crisis. Key demands include:
1. Mandatory Vehicle Fitness Checks – Crackdown on poorly maintained buses.
2. Strict Speed Enforcement – Prevent overspeeding on hazardous routes.
3. Improved Infrastructure – Better signage, barriers, and road repairs.
Activists and opposition leaders are pushing for reforms, while social media buzzes with calls for accountability.
Victims Remembered, Justice Demanded
Many victims were daily wage workers or students. Grieving families, like Lakshmi Devi’s, seek systemic changes: “Compensation won’t bring back our loved ones, but we demand safer roads.”
Next Steps: Will Promises Turn Into Action?
Experts recommend AI-based monitoring, driver training, and stricter penalties. The Andhra Pradesh government has pledged corrective measures—public scrutiny remains high.
The Kurnool tragedy underscores India’s urgent need for transportation reforms.
