Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Fire Kills 12 in Andhra Pradesh

Twelve people have tragically died after a private Volvo bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire following a crash with a motorcycle in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district early Friday morning. The accident occurred near Chinnatekur village on National Highway 44 around 3:30 am when the speeding bus collided with the two-wheeler. The bike became lodged under the bus, possibly causing sparks that ignited the fuel tank and quickly engulfed the bus in flames. At least 40 people were on board, including passengers, the driver, and staff, many of whom were asleep at the time of the blaze.

The fire spread rapidly, trapping passengers inside. Survivors say the bus's main door was locked, forcing them to break emergency windows to escape. Those who managed to jump out mostly suffered injuries from the impact or breaking glass and were rushed to hospitals for treatment. So far, 12 deaths have been confirmed, including the motorcyclist, while several others remain missing and search efforts are ongoing. Due to severe burning, many victims have been difficult to identify. Authorities have launched investigations, with forensic teams working to determine the exact cause of the fire, while police are also checking the bus's compliance with safety regulations over recent months.

This tragic event has revived memories of a similar deadly bus fire in 2013 on the same Hyderabad-Bengaluru route, which killed 45 passengers. That incident had exposed safety flaws in long-haul Volvo buses that make them vulnerable to fire. The current disaster raises questions about vehicle safety and emergency preparedness measures, including passenger access to emergency exits during emergencies.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the government’s full support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his sympathies and announced compensation for the victims’ families and the injured. The bus was operated by Kaveri Travels, a private travel company.

Heavy rainfall was reported in the area around the time of the crash, which could have contributed to the accident. Eyewitnesses reported the fire started near the front of the bus, quickly spreading throughout. Many passengers were asleep, making immediate evacuation very difficult. Only those who could break windows escaped, highlighting the critical importance of emergency exits and unlocked doors in such situations.

This tragedy underscores the need for continued vigilance in transportation safety, especially on busy highways connecting major cities. With dozens of lives lost and many injured, it calls for strict enforcement of safety standards for inter-city buses, thorough vehicle inspections, and passenger safety awareness. The rapid spread of fire and locked bus doors remind us of the importance of emergency preparedness and accessible escape routes that can save lives during accidents.

In summary, the Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus fire in Andhra Pradesh that claimed at least 12 lives was caused by a collision with a motorcycle that ignited the bus. It highlights vulnerabilities in vehicle safety and emergency response that require urgent attention to prevent future tragedies on our highways.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies