A routine overnight journey turned into a nightmare of fire and tragedy near kurnool early Friday. A private travel bus, carrying 42 passengers from hyderabad to Bangalore, erupted in flames after a horrific collision, leaving at least 25 people feared dead. In minutes, metal became molten, screams were swallowed by smoke, and lives were lost in a scene straight out of a disaster film.
1. How the horror Unfolded
The kaveri Travels bus was cruising on the highway around 1:30 am when a speeding motorcycle rammed into its rear. The collision drove the bike under the bus, striking the fuel tank. Within moments, a blazing inferno erupted, consuming the vehicle. Witnesses described the flames spreading at lightning speed, leaving passengers trapped with no escape.
2. Trapped Inside a Burning Coffin
Out of 42 passengers, only 12 managed to escape, while at least 25 were charred alive inside the bus. The remaining passengers, suffering severe burns, were rushed to Kurnool Government General Hospital. Many victims were hyderabad residents traveling for work or personal reasons, their overnight journey ending in unimaginable horror.
3. Rescue and Emergency Response
police and fire tenders reached the site within minutes of the alert, but the fire had already engulfed the entire bus. Rescue teams fought to save lives, while authorities struggled to identify victims amid the wreckage. The vehicle was completely gutted, a metallic skeleton blackened by the flames.
4. Investigation Underway
kurnool police have registered a case to probe the cause of the accident. Initial reports indicate speeding and collision with a motorcycle as the trigger, but further investigations are ongoing. Authorities are examining the mechanical condition of the bus, the behavior of both drivers, and any possible lapses in highway safety measures.
5. Survivors’ Trauma
Those who escaped described the fire as instant and unrelenting. Many survivors have burn marks and shock and are receiving both medical and psychological care. The tragedy highlights the thin margin between life and death in overnight travel and raises questions about road safety enforcement.
6. Highway Safety Concerns Resurface
This incident reopens debate about nighttime bus operations, speeding, and poor traffic discipline on highways. Authorities are being urged to strengthen safety protocols, install better crash barriers, and enforce speed limits, to prevent another catastrophe of this magnitude.
7. A City in Mourning
hyderabad and surrounding districts are reeling under the shock. Families await confirmation of victims’ identities, while grief and anger ripple through the communities affected. Officials have promised support and compensation to the families of the deceased, though nothing can undo the horrific loss suffered.
8. Takeaway: A Tragic Reminder
The kurnool bus fire is a stark reminder that speeding and negligence can turn routine journeys into deadly nightmares. It underscores the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement, road safety awareness, and emergency preparedness on highways across India.
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