25 reportedly killed as Bengaluru-bound bus catches fire after bike collision near Kurnool

In a tragic incident, over 25 passengers were reportedly charred to death and several others were injured when a luxury private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district early on Friday (October 24, 2025).

The private sleeper coach was carrying around 40 passengers when it caught fire after colliding with a motorbike in the opposite direction around 3.30 a.m.

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The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed by the concerned authorities.

According to reports, flames erupted from the front portion of the bus immediately, and it spread rapidly, leading to the explosion of the fuel tank. The impact was devastating that the bus was in flames in a few seconds. The passengers, fast asleep, took the jolt much delayed and woke up amid screams and chaos. Many of them were trapped inside due to confusion and no access to the exit point as the vehicle was engulfed in thick smoke and flames. Some passengers managed to escape through the emergency exit, sustaining minor injuries.

Locals from a nearby kiosk rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation, which was badly hampered by heavy rain. The bus was gutted before fire tenders could control the blaze. According to the police, both the driver and the bus cleaner went missing immediately after the mishap.

Telangana CM expressed deep shock over the accident.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He instructed State officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and take necessary relief measures.

He further spoke with the State Chief Secretary K. Ramkrishna Rao and the Director General of Police (DGP) B. Shivadhar Reddy regarding the accident and suggested setting up a helpline immediately. Instructions were given for the Gadwal District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to visit the accident site.

CM Naidu expresses shock on Kurnool bus fire mishap

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were burnt to death in a private bus in Kurnool district. 

The Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus reportedly caught fire when it was hit by a motorcycle near Chinna Tekuru in Kurnool and about 15 people were reportedly charred to death. Several other injured in the accident were admitted in a local hospital in Kurnool.

In a message on X, Mr. Naidu, who is currently on a UAE tour, said the accident was devastating and that the government would extend all possible support to the injured and affected families. 

The CM instructed senior officials to visit the accident spot and take necessary steps for relief to the accident victims. He also ordered that the best efforts be made to save the lives of those who were severely burnt.