At least 20 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus caught fire on a highway in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours of Friday. Authorities believe a mechanical fault or fuel leak may have triggered the blaze that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.
The ill-fated private bus, reportedly carrying more than 40 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, burst into flames after colliding with a divider near Dupadu village. Eyewitnesses said the impact caused a loud explosion, followed by thick smoke and intense fire that trapped many passengers inside.
Local residents and police rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the flames made rescue efforts difficult. Firefighters managed to douse the blaze after nearly an hour. “Preliminary investigations suggest a possible short circuit or diesel leak,” said Kurnool District Superintendent of Police, confirming that forensic experts are examining the wreckage.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims’ families. He also ordered an immediate review of vehicle safety measures across the state.
Transport officials said the bus was operated by a private travel company and had a valid permit, but investigators are probing whether safety norms and maintenance standards were followed.
The Kurnool fire is among the deadliest road accidents in Andhra Pradesh in recent years, reigniting calls for stricter enforcement of transport safety regulations and better emergency response systems on highways.
