Kurnool Bus Tragedy Claims 20 Lives; National Leaders Mourn and Announce Aid

The morning of Friday, October 24, 2025, brought with it a wave of profound sorrow as news of a devastating road accident emerged from Andhra Pradesh. A massive bus fire in the Kurnool district, near Chinnatekur in the Kallur mandal, tragically claimed the lives of at least 20 innocent people and left numerous others injured. This horrific incident, now widely referred to as the Kurnool Bus Tragedy, occurred in the early hours as passengers slept, transforming a routine journey into a devastating inferno. The sheer scale and horror of the event immediately resonated across the nation, drawing immediate and heartfelt condolences from India’s highest political offices, including the President, Vice President, and the Prime Minister.

The loss of life in such a sudden and dreadful manner has cast a pall over the region, highlighting once again the precarious nature of long-distance road travel and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. The private Volvo bus, carrying 41 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, was completely gutted, leaving behind a scene of absolute destruction and despair. The swift response from national leaders to mourn the deceased and announce financial relief has offered a small measure of solace to the shattered families grappling with this immense, unquantifiable loss.

The Devastating Scene: Details of the Kurnool Bus Tragedy

The incident unfolded with terrifying speed between 3:00 am and 3:10 am, while most passengers were likely asleep. The circumstances leading to the fire were reported by the Kurnool District Collector, shedding light on the sequence of events that culminated in the deadly blaze.

• The Cause: The bus, a private travel company’s Volvo, collided with a bike. This collision resulted in a fuel leak, which quickly ignited and spread the fire throughout the vehicle.
• The Route and Location: The bus was traveling the busy route connecting the technology hubs of Hyderabad and Bengaluru when the accident occurred near Chinnatekur.
• Passenger Count: The vehicle was carrying 41 people at the time of the mishap.
• Survival and Injury: Out of the 41 passengers, 21 were successfully evacuated to safety. Furthermore, 12 passengers managed to escape the rapidly spreading flames with minor injuries, primarily by breaking open the emergency exit, an act of sheer desperation.
• Casualty Toll: The fire claimed the lives of at least 20 people. Authorities reported that the bodies of 11 individuals have been identified so far, with efforts underway to identify the remaining victims due to the severity of the burns.
• Conditions: Heavy rainfall was also reported in the area during the time of the incident, potentially complicating the immediate response and rescue efforts.
• Medical Care: The injured passengers, including at least nine individuals undergoing treatment, were promptly shifted to the Kurnool Government Hospital for essential medical care.

Grief and Condolences After the Kurnool Bus Tragedy

The tragic news of the Kurnool Bus Tragedy prompted an immediate outpouring of sorrow from the country’s senior leadership, underscoring the collective shock felt across India. Each leader utilized social media to convey their deepest sympathies and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.

• President Droupadi Murmu:
  • Expressed her deep sadness, noting the loss of lives was “deeply unfortunate.”
  • Extended her “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.”
  • Offered prayers for the “speedy recovery of those injured.”
• Vice President CP Radhakrishnan:
  • Stated he was “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire accident.”
  • Conveyed “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
  • Expressed being “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap.”
  • Affirmed, “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time.”
  • Offered prayers for the “speedy recovery of the injured.”
• Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar:
  • Said he was “Deeply pained by the horrific bus fire.”
  • Described the loss of over 20 innocent lives in such a horrific way as “heartbreaking.”
  • Stressed that “every possible support must reach them without delay.”
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu:
  • Expressed shock upon learning about the “devastating bus fire accident.”
  • Conveyed his “heartfelt condolences” and promised that his government would “extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”
• Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy:
  • Stated he was “deeply shaken” by the “extremely distressing” incident.
  • Urged the government to extend “generous financial assistance and support” to the families and ensure the “best possible medical care” for the injured.

Financial Relief and Support for Victims of the Kurnool Bus Tragedy

Beyond expressions of grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly announced financial compensation to provide immediate relief to the affected families through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). This action provides crucial, tangible support following the horrifying Kurnool Bus Tragedy.

• Ex-Gratia for the Deceased: An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each person who died in the tragedy.
• Aid for the Injured: The injured individuals undergoing treatment will be provided with an ex-gratia of Rs. 50,000.
• State Support: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has assured that the state government will also extend all possible support, supplementing the central government’s aid.

The unified, empathetic response from the country’s top political figures serves as a testament to the nation’s solidarity in the face of this unexpected loss. As identification efforts continue, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved families and ensuring the swift recovery of those who survived this catastrophic event.