A tragic road accident in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, has once again exposed the safety lapses in India’s private bus transport system. A luxury bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle, leading to a devastating blaze that claimed at least 19 lives.
What Happened
The bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was carrying around 40 passengers when the incident occurred near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool. According to initial reports, the vehicle struck a motorcycle, which became trapped underneath, causing sparks that ignited the fuel tank. Within minutes, the bus was engulfed in flames.
Survivors reported that the main door was locked and emergency exits were blocked. Many passengers were asleep when the fire spread, leaving them trapped inside. Witnesses said the driver fled the scene instead of assisting the passengers or alerting emergency services.
Minister’s Statement
Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao reacted strongly, holding both the driver and the bus operator accountable for the tragedy.
“If the driver had stopped after hitting the two-wheeler instead of fleeing, this horrific fire could have been avoided,” he said.
He also criticized Kaveri Travels for inadequate safety measures, calling for heavy penalties against negligent private operators.
“Private travel companies must be made accountable. Strict penalties are necessary so that passenger safety becomes their top priority.”
Safety Failures Under the Scanner
Investigations have revealed multiple lapses that worsened the tragedy:
Modified bus structure: The vehicle was allegedly converted from a standard coach into a sleeper bus, reducing aisle space and obstructing emergency exits.
Non-fire-resistant materials: Seats and curtains were made of synthetic, flammable materials that accelerated the spread of fire.
Lack of safety training: The driver and staff were not properly trained for emergency situations.
Absence of safety equipment: Fire extinguishers were either missing or non-functional.
These failures mirror earlier incidents, including a 2013 bus fire on the same Hyderabad–Bengaluru route, raising concerns about recurring negligence by private operators.
Government Response
Both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have announced:
Immediate inspections of all private buses operating between states.
Mandatory checks for emergency exits, extinguishers, and driver credentials.
Coordination between state transport departments to tighten regulations for private travel companies.
Compensation and assistance for families of the victims.
The tragedy has sparked public outrage, with calls for a nationwide review of safety standards in long-distance private buses.
Lessons from the Kurnool Fire
This incident highlights a deeper problem — profit often overrides safety in India’s private travel sector.
Key takeaways include:
Mandatory safety audits for all sleeper and luxury buses.
Accountability for drivers and operators in case of negligence.
Installation of fire detection systems and automatic extinguishers in long-distance vehicles.
Passenger awareness, ensuring travelers know where emergency exits and hammers are located.
FAQ
Q1. What caused the Kurnool bus fire?
A: The fire started after the bus collided with a motorcycle, igniting the fuel tank. Poor emergency safety measures and non-fire-resistant materials worsened the situation.
Q2. Who has been blamed for the tragedy?
A: Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao blamed both the driver for negligence and Kaveri Travels for failing to follow safety protocols.
Q3. How many people died in the accident?
A: At least 19 passengers lost their lives in the fire, with several others sustaining injuries.
Q4. What action is being taken by the government?
A: The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have ordered statewide inspections of private buses and stricter enforcement of transport safety laws.
Q5. How can such incidents be prevented in the future?
A: By enforcing mandatory fire safety checks, proper driver training, installation of emergency equipment, and penalizing travel companies that violate safety norms.
Published on : 25th October
Published by : SMITA
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