11 Killed in Kurnool Bus Fire: PM Announces Rs 2 Lakh Ex Gratia for Families of Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and state leaders express grief over the tragic incident.

Hyderabad, Oct 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district that claimed 11 lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The Prime Minister also announced Rs 50,000 compensation for the injured.

The private Volvo bus, operated by a travel service running from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire in the early hours of Friday near Chinnatekur village in Kallur mandal, Kurnool district. Reports confirm that the bus had around 40 passengers on board. Preliminary investigations indicate the fire erupted after the bus collided with a two-wheeler, which became lodged under the bus, causing fuel leakage and sparks that ignited the blaze.

According to survivors, at least 19 passengers managed to escape by breaking open emergency exits, but most passengers were asleep at the time, resulting in significant loss of life. The bus was completely engulfed in flames by the time emergency services arrived. Nine passengers remain missing, and authorities are conducting ongoing rescue and identification operations.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister’s Office said: “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.”

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed their grief. President Murmu wrote: “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.” Similarly, Vice President Radhakrishnan tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, described the incident as “devastating” and extended his heartfelt condolences. He assured that government authorities would provide all possible support to the injured and affected families. In his social media post, he said, “Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families.”

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the incident, conveying condolences to the bereaved families. He directed state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and ensure all necessary assistance was extended. A helpline was ordered to be set up immediately, and officials from Gadwal district were dispatched to the accident site.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan described the accident as “deeply shocking” and urged the transport department to implement measures ensuring better safety standards for public transport. He added, “It is tragic that more than 10 people have lost their lives. Authorities have been instructed to ensure better medical treatment for the injured.”

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed distress over the tragedy, urging the government to provide necessary medical support and assistance to all affected.

State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy rushed to the site shortly after the incident, directing officials to shift the injured to Kurnool Hospital and ensure the best possible care. Police and fire services, along with revenue and medical officials, have been coordinating recovery operations and identifying victims.

The horrific accident has sparked nationwide concern over road and passenger safety standards, with officials emphasizing the need for strict compliance with safety regulations, especially for long-distance buses operating during night hours.

The tragic Kurnool bus fire serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by passengers on highways and has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.