Volvo Bus Fire Kills At Least 19

A private luxury sleeper (Volvo) bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in the early hours of Oct. 24 after colliding with a two-wheeler on NH44 near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district. Police and forensic teams say the motorcycle became trapped beneath the bus, leaking petrol and producing sparks that ignited a blaze which gutted the vehicle within minutes, killing at least 19 people (some outlets reported up to 25) and injuring several others. Around 40–44 people were on board; most were asleep when the fire broke out and the main hydraulic front door jammed or failed to open, forcing survivors to smash windows or use a broken rear emergency exit — roughly 20–23 people survived and many were hospitalized with burns and other injuries. Some victims were charred beyond recognition, prompting forensic examinations, and survivors alleged the drivers fled the scene as local police continue investigating possible safety lapses and responsibility. Authorities, including the prime minister’s office, announced ex gratia relief for victims’ families and emergency services treated the injured at Kurnool Government Hospital.