Indian President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of at least 11 people who were charred to death after a private bus caught fire following its collision with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh on Friday, media reports said.
According to reports, 40 passengers were present in the bus, which was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru at the time of the mishap.
The bus, which began its journey from Hyderabad at around 3:30 am, collided with the two-wheeler when it reached the National Highway 44 (NH-44).
Sources told NDTV that the driver fled the scene of the mishap.
“At around 3 am, a Volvo bus of Kaveri Travels was going from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. It hit a two-wheeler, and it got stuck under the bus. That probably caused a spark and led to fire,” Vikrant Patil, Superintendent of Police, Kurnool, told NDTV.
“The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team is here and ascertaining the exact cause of the fire. Since it was an AC bus, passengers had to break open the windows. Whoever could break open the glass are safe,” Patil said.
“15 people have been rescued and admitted to the hospital. The fire is under control,” said Patil.
Police are trying to identify the missing victims and the passengers.
President Murmu mourned the death of people in the tragedy and wrote on X: “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu wrote on X: “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”
