Kurnool: At least 20 people are feared dead after a private Volvo bus caught fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours of Friday. There were
43 people on board, including two drivers and two children. So far, 19 passengers, both children, and the two drivers have been rescued and are safe, bringing the total number of survivors to 23 out of 43. The remaining passengers are feared to have been charred to death in the blaze.
40 Passengers On Board, Several Feared Dead
According to initial reports, there were around 40 passengers on board when the incident occurred. Witnesses said that the blaze began in the front portion of the bus before rapidly spreading throughout the vehicle, leaving passengers with little time to react.
At least 12 passengers managed to escape through the emergency exit, while others sustained injuries and were rushed to the Kurnool District Hospital for treatment. However, several passengers are believed to have been charred to death inside the bus as the fire intensified.
The horrifying visuals from the scene show the charred remains of the bus.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency response teams, including local police and fire personnel, rushed to the spot and launched rescue and cooling operations. The bus was completely gutted in flames before the fire could be brought under control.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, though preliminary reports suggest it may have originated from the front engine section of the bus. Officials have cordoned off the area and are working to identify the victims.
CM Chandrababu Naidu, Revanth Reddy Express Shock
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured full government support for the victims and their families.
“I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekuru 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,” Naidu said in a post on X.
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…
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 24, 2025
The Telangana CMO also tweeted, "Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the horrific bus accident that occurred near Chinnatekuru in Kurnool district. He instructed state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and take necessary relief measures. He expressed profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident.
Regarding the bus accident, the Chief Minister spoke with the State Government’s Chief Secretary and DGP. He directed the establishment of a helpline for relief measures. He also instructed the Gadwal Collector and SP to immediately proceed to the accident site."
కర్నూలు జిల్లా చిన్నటేకూరు వద్ద జరిగిన ఘోర బస్సు ప్రమాదంపై ముఖ్యమంత్రి శ్రీ ఎ. రేవంత్ రెడ్డి గారు తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతిని వ్యక్తం చేశారు. ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ అధికారులతో మాట్లాడి అవసరమైన సహాయ చర్యలు తీసుకోవాలని రాష్ట్ర అధికారులను ఆదేశించారు. ఈ ఘటనలో మరణించిన కుటుంబాలకు తీవ్ర సంతాపం తెలిపారు.…
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) October 24, 2025
Officials from the transport and police departments have initiated an inquiry into the incident to determine whether any technical malfunction or negligence led to the tragedy.
