At least 25 people lost their lives when a passenger bus caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle in southern India. The tragic incident occurred early Friday morning near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, along the busy Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway.
Authorities said the fire spread rapidly through the bus, trapping many passengers inside. The vehicle, which had 44 people on board, was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the motorcycle rammed into its rear. The impact caused the motorcycle to get stuck under the bus, creating sparks that ignited the fuel tank and led to an explosion.
Within minutes, the entire bus was engulfed in flames. Some passengers, who were asleep at the time, were unable to escape as thick smoke and fire spread quickly through the vehicle. Witnesses reported that screams for help could be heard as rescuers and nearby motorists struggled to reach those trapped inside.
Eighteen passengers managed to break open windows and jump out, sustaining minor injuries. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The motorcyclist also died at the scene. Officials said forensic teams have been deployed to identify the victims and determine the exact cause of the blaze.
Emergency responders and firefighters arrived shortly after the fire broke out, but the flames were too intense to save most of the passengers. By the time the fire was brought under control, the bus had been completely destroyed. Images from the scene showed the charred remains of the vehicle, reduced to a metal shell.
Authorities are now investigating whether poor road lighting, excessive speed, or mechanical failure played a role in the crash. Local police said preliminary findings suggest that the bus driver attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher but was overwhelmed by the intensity of the fire.
The devastating accident has reignited calls for stricter safety measures for public transport in India, where deadly road accidents are common due to reckless driving, overcrowding, and poor vehicle maintenance.
Government officials, including the Prime Minister and Andhra Pradesh’s top leaders, have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The tragedy comes less than two weeks after another fatal bus fire in Rajasthan, where at least 20 people were killed, underscoring the urgent need for stronger transport safety regulations across the country.
