Kurnool: A tragic accident on the Hyderabad Bengaluru National Highway early Friday left more than 30 passengers feared dead after a private sleeper bus caught fire near Chinna Tekuru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district.

The bus, operated by Kaveri Travels and carrying around 40 to 42 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, reportedly collided with a two-wheeler around 3 a.m. The impact is believed to have triggered a massive blaze that quickly engulfed the vehicle, trapping many passengers inside while they were asleep.

Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly, giving passengers little time to react. Several survivors managed to escape by breaking windows, but many were caught in the flames as the bus doors jammed. Local residents and police rushed to the spot, but the intensity of the fire made rescue operations extremely difficult.

Initial reports suggest that at least 12 people were rescued with injuries, while between 20 and 32 passengers are feared to have died. The exact death toll remains uncertain as authorities continue to recover remains and verify the passenger list.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He said the government would provide all necessary support to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.

Transport officials have ordered an inquiry into the cause of the accident, focusing on whether safety norms were followed by the bus operator.

Investigators are examining if a fuel leak, electrical short circuit, or the collision itself triggered the fire.

The devastating incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of long distance sleeper buses in India, particularly those operating at night.

As rescue teams continue their grim work, families of passengers have gathered at hospitals and police stations, anxiously waiting for information about their loved ones.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to improve road safety measures and enforce strict regulations on private transport operators across the country.