The death toll in the fire that broke out on a passenger bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru has risen to 19. The tragedy occured in in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district.
Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen, while giving information about the accident, told, "A very unfortunate incident occurred at 3 am on Friday, in which a private bus collided with a bike. So far, 19 bodies have been recovered from the accident site."
However, he also expressed fears that the death toll could rise.
He said that the driver saved 19 people by breaking the bus windows, but the remaining 21 were trapped inside. The bodies of 19 of these people have been recovered.
According to DIG Koya Praveen, the bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru and collided with a bike coming from the wrong direction. The motorcycle's fuel tank caused the fire to spread rapidly to the bus.
District Collector said that there were 41 people travelling in the bus, including the driver. Out of the 41 onboard, 21 have been identified. The official further added that, “Those who escaped the accident are stable and out of danger.”
Most of the passengers who were inside the bus that met with a tragic accident belonged to Hyderabad, District Collector Siri added. The officials earlier said that the bus was bound for Hyderabad in neighbouring Telangana.
In view of such a tragic incident that took 20 lives, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart A Revanth Reddy also expressed their anguish.
PM expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condoled the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
The PMO India handle in post on X said:
“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi”