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Telangana Minister Blames Driver And Company For Kurnool Bus Fire
A major bus fire near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district claimed at least 20 lives when a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru went up in flames after colliding with a motorcycle in the early hours of Friday. The accident left many passengers trapped as the fire spread rapidly.
Minister Points To Negligence
Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar reacted strongly to the tragedy, blaming both the driver and the travel company for negligence. He said the driver’s reckless driving led to the collision, while the company failed to ensure proper safety checks on the vehicle. The minister also questioned why basic fire safety measures were not in place on the luxury bus.
Passengers Unable To Escape
Most of the 44 passengers onboard were asleep at the time. Witnesses said the flames engulfed the vehicle within minutes, and a jammed door prevented timely evacuation. Some survivors escaped by breaking windows, but many were trapped inside as the blaze intensified.
Probe Into Safety Compliance
Andhra Pradesh authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the role of the travel operator and the bus’s safety compliance. Forensic teams are working to identify the victims, several of whom were charred beyond recognition. The incident has renewed debate about enforcement of passenger safety standards in long-distance private buses.
