The rescue operation is underway.
Initial reports said there were about 40 people in the bus when the motorcycle collided with it and got dragged underneath with its fuel cap open, triggering the blaze.
"About 19 passengers, two children and two drivers survived the mishap," Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen told PTI.
The bus door got jammed due to a short circuit and the vehicle was completely gutted within minutes. Most survivors were aged between 25 and 35 years, police added.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences. "The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the government will extend all possible support to the families. "I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families," he said.
