Several passengers are feared dead after a Bengaluru-bound Kaveri Travels bus, which left Hyderabad late Thursday night, caught fire near Chinnatekuru village on the outskirts of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his deep condolences over the tragedy, which has killed at least 20 people.

The Prime Minister’s office said on X that he is “extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh” and that his thoughts are with the affected families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

PM Modi announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the families of each person who died, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.

What led to the massive fire?

According to the Kurnool District Collectorate, there were 41 passengers on board when the accident occurred between 3:00 am and 3:10 am on Friday. The accident reportedly took place after a motorcycle collided with the bus, rupturing its fuel tank and triggering a massive fire.

The blaze quickly engulfed the vehicle, leaving little time for passengers to react. So far, at least 20 people have died, while nine remain missing. Twelve passengers managed to escape by breaking open the window panes, according to The Indian Express.

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Reacting over the tragic accident, President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief saying, “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,” she wrote on X.

CM Chandrababu Naidu expresses deep shock

N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh shared condolence on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). 

“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,” he wrote.

Expressing his grief over the incident, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, President of the YSR Congress Party, said on X, “The news of the tragic bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district is deeply distressing. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I urge the government to ensure all necessary assistance and medical support to the injured and those affected by this unfortunate incident.”

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Lokesh Nara, Minister for Human Resources Development of Andhra Pradesh also expressed grief on X.

“The news of the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district is heartbreaking. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery to those injured,” he said.