Tragic Kurnool Bus Accident: Fire Claims Lives, Transport Violations Revealed

In a horrific incident on the outskirts of Kurnool, a bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after a collision with a two-wheeler, resulting in the loss of multiple lives. The V Kaveri Travels bus, registered in Rayagada, Odisha, had accumulated fines totaling ₹23,120 for various traffic violations before the tragic accident.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred early Friday morning, October 24, 2025, when the bus, bearing registration number DD 01 N 9490, collided with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur, a village on the outskirts of Kurnool. Following the collision, the vehicle caught fire, trapping several passengers inside. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but by the time authorities arrived, the tragic loss of life had already occurred.

The bus was carrying around 40 passengers and two drivers at the time of the accident. While many managed to escape the flames by breaking the emergency windows, several others were trapped and are feared to have perished in the fire. The passengers were mostly aged between 35 and 40 years. Preliminary reports from the police and driver Gudipati Sivanarayana suggest that the bus caught fire due to the impact of the collision, which occurred during heavy rain.

E-Challan Violations and Administrative Details

Investigations have revealed that the bus, before the accident, had accumulated e-challans for several traffic violations, amounting to ₹23,120. These violations included overspeeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, and obstruction of the carriageway. Despite these penalties, the bus was still allowed to operate.

“Since the bus is registered in Rayagada, Odisha, our role in administration is limited, but we are offering full support to the investigation and ensuring that all necessary logistics are provided,” said a senior official from the Telangana Transport Department. The official further noted that once the investigation is underway, authorities will also check for any unauthorized modifications made to the vehicle, such as extra seating or blocked exits, which could have contributed to the severity of the accident.

Government Response

The Chief Ministers of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have expressed their condolences following the tragic accident. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed immediate action and ordered an inquiry into the incident. A comprehensive investigation, including checking the bus’s fitness, insurance, and permit documents, is expected in the coming days.

The Transport Department is also expected to review private bus operators more thoroughly to ensure safety standards are being adhered to. The tragic incident has evoked memories of the 2013 Mahbubnagar bus fire, which claimed the lives of 45 passengers and highlighted the need for stricter safety checks.

Public Reactions and Future Measures

The Kurnool accident has raised questions about the state of private transport operations in the region. Both the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana transport departments have vowed to take a closer look at the validity of fitness and insurance certificates for private operators. The government is also contemplating actions to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future, including an evaluation of both road design and vehicle safety standards.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the authorities are offering support to the families of the victims. Several control rooms have been set up by the Kurnool district administration to assist with information and logistics. A dedicated helpline has also been established to facilitate coordination between the affected families and local authorities.

Tragic Memories and the Road Ahead

This incident has once again underscored the grim realities of road safety in India. The tragic memories of the Mahbubnagar bus fire are still fresh in the minds of many, and this latest tragedy has sparked calls for better safety measures in public transport. With public outrage mounting and a growing demand for accountability, the state governments have pledged to review the safety standards of all private transport operators to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

As the investigation continues, the hope is that this tragedy will bring about significant changes in how private buses are monitored and regulated, ensuring that future journeys are safer for all passengers.

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