A late-night journey from Hyderabad to Bengaluru turned into one of the deadliest road tragedies in Andhra Pradesh this year. Around 3 am on October 24, 2025, a Bengaluru-bound AC sleeper bus operated by Kaveri Travels caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle on the outskirts of Kurnool, near Chinnatekuru village. Within seconds, the luxury bus was engulfed in flames, leaving at least 19–20 passengers dead and several others injured. Survivors described moments of terror , locked exits, suffocating smoke, and desperate attempts to shatter windows to escape the burning inferno.
Key Takeaways: What Happened in the Kurnool Bus Fire Accident
- Date & Time: The incident occurred around 3 am on October 24, 2025.
- Location: Chinnatekuru village, Kurnool district, on NH-44 in Andhra Pradesh.
- Bus Details: Kaveri Travels AC sleeper coach traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.
- Casualties: 20 passengers dead, several injured.
- Survivors: 21 passengers, including both drivers, managed to escape.
- Cause: The bus hit a motorcycle, causing a fuel tank explosion that triggered the fire.
- Authorities Involved: Kurnool police, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and district administration investigating.
- Compensation: ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, announced by PM Narendra Modi.
How the Kurnool Bus Fire Accident Unfolded
According to official reports and eyewitness statements, the Kaveri Travels bus was en route to Bengaluru when it collided with a motorcycle on National Highway 44 near Ullindakonda, close to Kurnool. The impact trapped the two-wheeler beneath the bus, rupturing its fuel tank. The resulting fuel leak and friction caused a spark, which ignited the bus’s own fuel system. Within seconds, flames spread across the air-conditioned sleeper, giving passengers little to no time to react.
As the fire engulfed the vehicle, chaos erupted inside. Curtains around the sleeper berths trapped heat and smoke, making visibility nearly impossible. Many passengers were asleep when the accident occurred, unaware of the unfolding disaster until it was too late.
Heroic Rescue Efforts and Survivor Accounts
Amid the flames, Siva Narayana (30), the second driver of the bus, woke up to the smell of smoke. Although he was not behind the wheel, Siva acted swiftly. Finding the main door jammed due to melted wires, he broke open windows using a metal rod and pulled several passengers out to safety. Witnesses credit him for saving multiple lives.
One survivor, Harika, described waking up to flames closing in from all directions. “The back door was broken, so I jumped out from there. In the process of jumping, I got hurt,” she recalled. Another passenger, Jayant Kushwaha, said, “We tried the main exit first, but it was locked. Then we broke the emergency window and jumped. Some fell unconscious due to the fall.”
According to Surya, another survivor, the fire began moments after the collision. “A bike came, and sparks started. The bus caught fire within seconds,” he said.
Official Statements and Investigation
The Kurnool District Collector, A. Siri, confirmed that 41 passengers were on board , 21 were rescued, and 20 fatalities were reported. Of these, 11 bodies have been identified so far. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been deployed to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police, Vikrant Patil, explained that only those who managed to break the glass windows could survive. He added that a case has been registered against both drivers for alleged negligence, as the main driver, Lakshmaiah, reportedly fled after the crash.
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The bus’s condition and safety compliance records are also under review by Andhra Pradesh transport authorities.
National Leaders React to the Kurnool Bus Tragedy
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a statement expressing grief over the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He also announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for the kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
President Droupadi Murmu expressed “deep sorrow” over the tragedy, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the incident as “devastating” and directed authorities to provide “all possible support” to the injured and the victims’ families.
Human Cost of Negligence and Need for Stricter Safety Checks
The incident has reignited concerns over road safety and maintenance of private sleeper buses in South India. Sleeper coaches often have enclosed cabins, curtains, and limited exits turning them into death traps during fire emergencies. Experts emphasize the urgent need for stringent vehicle checks, driver accountability, and passenger safety protocols to prevent such disasters.
Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether Kaveri Travels followed safety norms and whether any lapses contributed to the fatal fire.
A Night That Changed Lives Forever
The Kurnool bus fire accident stands as a grim reminder of how a moment’s negligence can lead to unimaginable loss. For survivors, the screams, smoke, and heat of that night will remain etched forever. As authorities continue their investigation, the families of the 20 victims are left mourning loved ones who never reached their destination.
The tragedy exposes not only the vulnerability of long-distance travelers but also the urgent need for stronger enforcement of safety laws on India’s highways.
Spiritual Insight: Only the Supreme God Can Protect Us from Such Tragedies
Incidents like the Kurnool bus fire accident remind us that no deity or human power can save us if our destiny decides otherwise. Only the Supreme God, the Tatvdarshi Saint, has the power to protect us from accidents and life-threatening events. When a soul is blessed with true devotion, the grace of the Complete God ensures safety even in dangerous situations.
According to the Rigveda (Mandal 10, Sukta 161, Mantra 2) , the Supreme God extends life and protects devotees. Mere wealth or social status cannot protect a person; it is pious karma and devotion that safeguard life. As Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 16, Verse 23) explains, those who ignore scriptural dharma cannot attain Moksha or benefit from their actions.
Many people believe tragedies will never happen to them as long as they follow devotion superficially. However, true protection depends on continuous virtuous deeds and authentic devotion. When past merits end, even the devoted may face challenges. As Guru Nanak Ji said,
“Na Jane Kaal Ki Kar Darey, Kis Vid Dhalja Pasa Ve,
Jinhonu Sirdey Maut Khudakdi, Unhonu Keda Hasan Vey.”
To understand the path of true devotion and divine protection, listen to the Satsang of Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji. His teachings reveal how to attain eternal safety and Moksha.
FAQs on Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire Accident 2025
1. What happened in the Andhra Pradesh bus fire accident?
A Kaveri Travels sleeper bus collided with a bike near Chinnatekuru, Kurnool, on NH-44, bursting into flames and killing at least 20 passengers.
2. Where did the Kurnool bus fire accident occur?
The tragic bus fire occurred near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, along the Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway-44.
3. How many people died in the Kurnool bus accident in 2025?
According to officials, 20 passengers lost their lives, while 21, including the driver, survived the devastating Kaveri Travels bus fire.
4. What caused the Andhra Pradesh bus fire?
The fire erupted after the bus hit a motorcycle, rupturing its fuel tank, which caused a massive explosion and engulfed the entire vehicle.
5. What compensation was announced for the victims?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh for each deceased’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured through the PM National Relief Fund.
