FSL Team Reaches Site; Probe Underway into Accident That Killed Several

A forensic team (FSL) has reached the site of the horrific bus fire near Chintikuru village in Kurnool district, where a private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle early Friday morning.

According to police, the bus, registered as DD01N9490 under Kaveri Travels, had valid fitness and insurance certificates. It was originally registered in Daman & Diu on May 2, 2018, with permits valid until April 2030. Officials confirmed that the vehicle was in roadworthy condition.

Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil said the collision with the bike triggered the fire. “Some passengers managed to escape by breaking open the emergency exits, but several others could not get out in time,” he stated. He added that the second driver has been taken into custody, while the main driver is absconding.

DIG Koya Praveen informed that there were 41 passengers on board — 39 adults and two children. So far, 19 survivors have been identified and are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Many passengers were asleep when the fire broke out, leaving them trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Officials from the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department said a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident. “Based on the inquiry report, preventive measures will be strengthened to avoid such incidents in the future,” the department stated.