Kurnool: A tragic road accident claimed 20 lives in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday when a private travel bus belonging to Vemuri Kaveri Travels caught fire on National Highway 44 between Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The vehicle was completely gutted in flames, leaving 20 passengers charred to death. Several others sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to the Kurnool Government Hospital for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. President Droupadi Murmu said she was deeply shocked by the incident and conveyed her sympathies to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్లోని కర్నూలు జిల్లాలో జరిగిన ప్రమాదంలో ప్రాణనష్టం చాలా బాధాకరం. ఈ క్లిష్ట సమయంలో బాధిత ప్రజలు మరియు వారి కుటుంబాలకు నా ప్రగాఢ సానుభూతిని తెలియజేస్తూ , గాయపడినవారు త్వరగా కోలుకోవాలని ప్రార్థిస్తున్నాను.
ప్రమాదంలో మరణించిన వారి కుటుంబాలకు రూ. 2 లక్షలు, గాయపడిన వారికి…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 24, 2025
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently in Dubai, expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. After being briefed by officials, he directed them to visit the accident site, oversee relief operations, and ensure necessary medical and support measures are provided. He also ordered steps to prevent the death toll from rising. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reviewed the situation and instructed officials to set up an emergency helpline. He directed the Gadwal District Collector and SP to reach the site and coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities to extend all possible assistance.