As flames engulfed the vehicle, a few brave bystanders stepped forward to rescue survivors amidst the chaos.
Published Oct 24, 2025 | 2:24 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2025 | 4:53 PM
Eyewitnesses recall horror of Kurnool bus tragedy. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Amidst the entire ordeal, Naveen Kumar Varma, a regular citizen hailing from Hindupur, became an unexpected hero to the victims. “I have no idea how many members were on board. I brought six to the hospital. They have no issues right now. Ramesh, who broke the glass, is heavily injured. But the others are safe,” he reported.
A late-night journey on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route turned into a nightmare on Friday, 24 October, when a private bus caught fire near Chinna Tekur village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, leaving several passengers dead and many injured.
As flames engulfed the vehicle, a few brave bystanders stepped forward to rescue survivors amidst the chaos. Authorities from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana swung into action, setting up helplines and coordinating relief efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief ministers of the Telugu states and Karnataka expressed grief, announcing ex gratia and promising all possible support to the victims and their families.
Hindupur’s Naveen Kumar Varma, who took six victims to the hospital
Amidst the entire ordeal, Naveen Kumar Varma, a regular citizen hailing from Hindupur, became an unexpected hero to the victims. “While I was going to meet my brother from Hindupur to Nandyal, I saw the bus on fire. I have no idea how it happened. We did not see anything. By the time we saw the fire, it was roaring. There was no way to go near the bus; there was that much fire around it,” he described the situation, speaking to the media.
“At last, a person identified as Ramesh broke the glass and came out. The glass opening was too small for a person to pass through, leaving very little space. As people tried to escape through it, many were injured by the broken glass,” he continued.
“I have no idea how many members were on board. I brought six to the hospital. They have no issues right now. Ramesh, who broke the glass, is heavily injured. But the others are safe,” he reported.
Another eyewitness, Haima, also took the initiative to try and assist with the situation. Returning from Puttaparthi to Hyderabad, she came across an unusual traffic jam on the road. Seeing the fire, she immediately tried to call the police and officials.
“The bystanders did not call the police or authorities yet; they were recording the incident on their phones. I had to rush to call Kurnool’s SP and officials immediately. Soon after, the police, fire department and ambulances showed up to respond to the fire,” she reported in a video.
“I saw people sitting on the road and crying about their family members who were still inside. It was a horrifying scene which disturbed me greatly,” she said, recalling the graphic scenes from the bus amidst the fire.
Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and concern. Taking to X, he posted: “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.”
Furthermore, he also announced relief for both those killed and injured. “An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” The PMO announced.
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.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 24, 2025
Meanwhile, both Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also reacted to the incident. “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district,” Chandrababu Naidu posted. “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 continued.
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…
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 24, 2025
Revanth Reddy also reported that the state administration was ready to assist with the situation. “The news of a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru meeting with a horrific accident in Kurnool district has caused profound shock,” he wrote on X. “The report of several deaths in the accident is deeply distressing. I pray to God that the souls of the deceased find peace, and I express my heartfelt condolences to their families,” he said.
He further announced, “I have directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure relief measures are implemented, and have instructed officials to provide better medical assistance to the injured and other relief programs on a war footing. I have directed the Jogulamba Gadwal district Collector and SP to immediately proceed to the accident site and oversee relief operations.”
హైదరాబాద్ నుంచి బెంగుళూరు వెళుతున్న ప్రైవేటు బస్సు కర్నూలు జిల్లాలో ఘోర ప్రమాదానికి గురి కావడం తీవ్ర దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది.
ప్రమాదంలో పలువురు మృతి చెందారన్న వార్త తీవ్రంగా కలచివేసింది. మరణించిన వారి ఆత్మలకు శాంతి చేకూరాలని భగవంతుడిని ప్రార్థిస్తూ… వారి కుటుంబాలకు నా ప్రగాఢ…
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) October 24, 2025
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also took to X to express his grief over the deaths. “Disturbed and pained by the tragic bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district. Several precious lives were lost and many sustained injuries in this heartbreaking incident,” he wrote. “My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing strength and a speedy recovery to those injured,” he continued.
Disturbed and pained by the tragic bus fire accident on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru route near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district. Several precious lives were lost and many sustained injuries in this heartbreaking incident.
My sincere condolences to the families who lost their…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) October 24, 2025
While the situation continues to develop, both the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of Telangana have issued numerous clarifications and statements regarding further actions.
According to Kurnool district collector Siri, the wires connecting the door were damaged because the bike got stuck under the bus and therefore did not open. This forced the passengers to break the emergency exit, but only some of them managed to escape. One of the drivers was later reportedly taken into custody.
The Telangana Transport Dept says that the bus, while registered in another state, comes under Raigada in Odisha. E-Challans, including those of speeding issued by Telangana Police, are to the tune of 23,000.
AP Health Minister Sri Satya Kumar Yadav expressed deep shock over the private bus accident at Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district. He directed the Kurnool GGH Superintendent to ensure top medical care for the injured. Forensic doctors and Maha Prasthanam vehicles have been deployed, and DNA samples are being collected for identification. Twelve people were injured, six were discharged after first aid, and one was seriously hurt but stable. The Minister urged officials to coordinate and prevent any lapses in medical response.
Additionally, the Telangana CMO clarified that out of the 43 passengers on board, 23 managed to escape, 11 bodies have been recovered, and efforts are underway to ascertain the status of the remaining passengers.
Meanwhile, both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have set up helplines to address the situation. Both administrations have urged family members to use the following numbers in the Telugu states.
Telangana:
Andhra Pradesh:
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
