Following the devastating Kurnool bus tragedy in Andhra Pradesh that claimed numerous lives and left many injured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 for those injured. The Prime Minister expressed his deep condolences for the families affected by the heart-wrenching incident.
PM’s Condolence and Ex Gratia Announcement
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the financial assistance package in a tweet, stating the funds would be disbursed from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
“The bus accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh is heart-wrenching. Condolences to the bereaved families. I hope that the injured recover at the earliest,” the PMO tweeted, quoting the Prime Minister.
The compensation aims to provide immediate financial relief to the families grappling with the sudden loss and the significant medical expenses for the injured. The ex gratia breakdown is as follows:
* Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each person deceased in the accident.
* Rs 50,000 for each person who sustained injuries.
What Happened in the Kurnool Bus Accident?
The tragic incident occurred in the early morning hours on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru National Highway-44, near Veldurthi Mandal in Kurnool district. According to preliminary reports, a private bus, allegedly travelling at high speed, collided with a lorry after the driver lost control.
The impact was catastrophic, reducing a section of the bus to a mangled wreck and resulting in a high number of on-the-spot fatalities. Local villagers and passersby were the first responders, initiating rescue efforts before emergency services arrived. Police and fire department teams worked tirelessly, using gas cutters to extricate survivors and retrieve the bodies from the wreckage.
The injured were promptly transported to the Government General Hospital in Kurnool for urgent medical attention.
State Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Andhra Pradesh state government has also conveyed its shock and condolences. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed officials to provide the best possible medical care for the injured and has announced a separate compensation package from the state.
A formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash. Authorities are examining multiple factors, including potential driver fatigue, over-speeding, and mechanical failure. The statements from survivors will be critical to understanding the moments leading up to the collision. This tragic Kurnool bus tragedy once again puts a harsh spotlight on the critical issue of road safety on India’s national highways, highlighting the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement and improved infrastructure to prevent such events.
