📰 Breaking News: Deadly Bus Fire Claims 25 Lives in Andhra Pradesh
Rescue teams inspect the burnt passenger bus following the tragic Andhra Pradesh bus fire accident.
Charred remains of the passenger bus after fire in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, October 2025
In a horrifying road tragedy, at least 25 people lost their lives after a private passenger bus caught fire following a collision with a motorcycle in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, early Friday morning (24 October 2025).
According to police reports, the bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Vijayawada when it hit a motorcycle near Maddur village on the National Highway. The impact caused the fuel tank to burst, and flames engulfed the vehicle within seconds — most passengers were asleep.
“It was a massive blaze — the fire spread so fast that people had no time to escape,” said a police official at the scene.
🔥 What Happened: Sequence of Events
The deadly collision occurred near Maddur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
🕓 Time: Around 4:10 AM, 24 October 2025
📍 Location: Maddur village, Kurnool district
🚍 Vehicle: Private sleeper coach with over 40 passengers
💥 Cause: Collision with a motorcycle → fuel tank explosion
🔥 Aftermath: Bus destroyed within minutes
Villagers rushed to help, but the intensity of the fire made rescue nearly impossible. Firefighters and police teams arrived swiftly but found the bus fully ablaze.
🚑 Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Firefighters and police teams at the Kurnool bus fire site, battling the blaze and rescuing survivors.
Kurnool SP Ch. Sudheer Kumar confirmed 25 fatalities and multiple critical injuries. Survivors were rushed to Kurnool Government General Hospital. The motorcycle rider also died instantly.
“We saw flames shooting out of the bus. Some passengers jumped out through broken windows,” said an eyewitness.
🏛️ Government Response and Investigation
Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow and ordered a high-level inquiry.
The government announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for the injured. Officials were instructed to provide immediate support and ensure a transparent investigation.
⚠️ A Grim Reminder: India’s Road Safety Crisis
The bus was completely gutted within minutes after the crash.
India witnesses over 1.6 lakh road fatalities annually, with overspeeding and negligence being top causes. This tragedy again exposes the lack of fire safety equipment and emergency exits in long-distance buses.
Experts urge stricter measures:
Mandatory fire extinguishers and hammers in all buses
Fire-retardant interiors
Better driver training and fatigue checks
Rapid emergency response units on national highways
🌹 Tribute and Takeaway
This devastating accident reminds us that road safety is everyone’s responsibility — drivers, operators, and passengers alike.
“The real tribute to the victims will be stronger laws and safer highways.”