Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district that claimed at least 25 lives, including that of a motorcyclist, after a private bus caught fire following a collision near Chinnatekur village.
"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.
According to officials, the Hyderabad-bound private bus was carrying about 41 passengers when it collided with a motorcycle, which got dragged under the vehicle with its fuel cap open, triggering a massive blaze that engulfed the bus within minutes. Eleven passengers and the biker were killed on the spot, while several others sustained burn injuries.
Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen said police teams were still working to identify victims. "So far, 12 people, including the motorcyclist, have died. A clear picture will emerge after full verification," he said, adding that DNA tests would be conducted to identify the charred bodies.
District Collector A Siri confirmed that 21 people have been traced and the survivors are stable and out of danger. Many passengers, she said, were asleep when the accident occurred and couldn't escape as the bus door jammed due to a short circuit.
Officials noted that no fire control or safety equipment was available on the bus, which intensified the tragedy. DIG Praveen said the Road Traffic Authority must enforce stricter safety standards to prevent such incidents in future.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and condolences, saying he had spoken to the district officials to monitor relief efforts. "My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. The government will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families," he said in a post.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also conveyed his condolences and directed officials from Gadwal district-which borders Kurnool-to assist in relief operations. He ordered a helpline to be set up for the families of the victims.
Authorities are probing whether negligence and lack of safety measures by the private operator contributed to the devastating blaze.
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