A routine overnight trip from Hyderabad to Bengaluru turned tragic early Friday when a private sleeper bus caught fire on National Highway 44 near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, killing at least 20 people, including a motorcyclist involved in the initial collision. The horrific Hyderabad Bengaluru bus fire accident has sparked outrage over severe safety lapses, unverified cargo, and conflicting driver statements.
The Deadly Accident on NH-44
The fatal crash took place around 3:00 am near Chinnatekur village. The luxury multi-axle bus, operated by V Kaveri Travels, was carrying 41 passengers, two drivers, and a cleaner on its Bengaluru-bound route.
According to police reports, the bus collided with a motorcycle traveling in the same direction. The bike got trapped underneath the vehicle, rupturing its fuel tank. The spilled petrol ignited due to friction sparks, triggering a powerful blaze that spread rapidly through the bus.
Investigators revealed that the fire’s intensity increased because the bus was illegally carrying parcels of mobile phones in its luggage compartment. The explosion of lithium-ion batteries reportedly accelerated the inferno, making escape almost impossible for several passengers.
Passengers Trapped as Bus Turned into a Fireball
Many passengers were asleep when the fire broke out. Survivors described waking up to screams and thick smoke as flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes. The main door was reportedly jammed, and the emergency exit failed to open, leaving many trapped inside.
A few survivors managed to escape by breaking windows with their bare hands or with available objects. One survivor, N. Ramesh, said he saved his family by smashing the rear window after realizing that the emergency door was locked.
Tragically, several passengers—especially those seated near the front berths above the luggage area—were charred beyond recognition. Two children and the motorcyclist also lost their lives in the incident.
Victims Identified, Families Devastated
Many of the deceased were tech employees and families returning to Bengaluru after Diwali celebrations. Among the most heart-wrenching stories was that of an entire family—a couple and their two children—who perished together in the flames.
Authorities confirmed that 21 people survived, though several sustained severe burns and injuries. The identification of victims has been challenging due to the condition of the bodies, forcing officials to rely on passenger manifests and DNA testing.
Driver’s Contradictory Statements Raise Doubts
The investigation has now turned toward the drivers’ conduct and the bus operator’s negligence. A case of rash driving and negligence has been registered based on survivors’ statements.
- Driver Absconds: The driver, M. Lakshmaiah, who was reportedly behind the wheel during the crash, fled the scene immediately after the accident.
- Conflicting Testimony: The second driver, Siva Narayana, initially claimed that the accident happened due to heavy rain and poor visibility. Later, he changed his version, alleging that the bike and rider were already lying on the road after a prior accident and that Lakshmaiah accidentally ran over them.
This flip-flop in testimony has raised suspicions about the true cause of the accident and the events leading up to the fire.
Shocking Safety Violations Exposed
Preliminary findings from the Kurnool police and transport authorities reveal multiple safety lapses:
- The bus lacked essential safety tools like glass-breaking hammers.
- It had a history of unpaid traffic challans in Telangana for overspeeding and rash driving.
- The illegal cargo of mobile phones significantly fueled the fire.
- Faulty or jammed exit mechanisms prevented timely evacuation.
Officials say these factors directly contributed to the high casualty count.
Government Reaction and Inquiry Ordered
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the accident. He directed authorities to conduct immediate inspections of all private travel buses operating in the state and take strict action against those violating safety standards.
The state government announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and injured. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also extended condolences and pledged cooperation in the investigation.
A Wake-Up Call for Passenger Safety
The Hyderabad Bengaluru bus fire accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of transport safety rules. Experts are calling for better fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and passenger awareness about evacuation procedures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are under pressure to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that such preventable tragedies never repeat on Indian highways.
