Twelve people lost their lives after a luxury bus caught fire early Friday in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The bus, traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, had 40 passengers on board. The accident occurred near Ullindakonda on National Highway 44 (NH-44).

Police believe the bus collided with a two-wheeler, which got trapped under the bus. “At around 3 am, a 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,” said Vikrant Patil, Superintendent of Police, Kurnool.

The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the bus within minutes. Some passengers managed to break windows and escape, while others were trapped inside.

Out of the 40 passengers, 23 were rescued or escaped the fire. Fifteen of them are receiving treatment in government and private hospitals, mainly for injuries caused by jumping out of the bus. Nine passengers are still missing as rescue operations continue.

“Whoever could break open the glass managed to escape,” Patil added. “The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team is here and ascertaining the exact cause of the fire.”

Byreddy Shabari, Nandyal TDP MP, said, “The bus burnt within two to three minutes. We have an eyewitness who was coming from the opposite direction. He tried to rescue, but couldn't help because within minutes the bus exploded. We could save about 19 people.”

The bus, registered in Odisha, was seven years and two months old and had a fitness certificate valid until March 31, 2027. Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy said the department is cross-checking all documents to verify the bus’s condition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, saying, “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He announced financial support of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister 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.”

YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed grief, urging the government to support victims and provide the best medical care to those injured. TDP General Secretary Lokesh Nara and BRS working president KT Rama Rao expressed condolences and prayers for the victims.

This comes just 10 days after another tragic bus fire in Rajasthan on October 15, where 20 people died when a private bus caught fire on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway.