PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Compensation for Kurnool Bus Tragedy Victims Families

A catastrophic fire engulfed a private bus operated by Kaveri Travels early Friday morning, October 24, 2025, near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, claiming at least 20 lives. The bus, carrying 44 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru along National Highway 44, collided with a motorcycle around 3:30 a.m., causing the two-wheeler to become lodged under the vehicle and rupture its fuel tank. This triggered an immediate explosion, with flames rapidly consuming the bus, leaving most passengers—many of whom were asleep—unable to escape. The tragedy, marked by chilling visuals of the bus fully ablaze, has prompted widespread mourning and urgent calls for enhanced road safety measures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the incident, announcing financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund: ₹2 lakh for the families of each deceased passenger and ₹50,000 for those injured. In a statement, Modi conveyed his condolences, stating, “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the 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.” The Prime Minister’s Office emphasised ongoing support for the victims, reflecting national solidarity in the face of this devastating accident, which has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of long-distance bus travel.

According to Kurnool District Collector A Siri, 21 of the 42 passengers were rescued, many with minor injuries, and are receiving treatment at Kurnool Government General Hospital. The collision’s severity was compounded by a short circuit that reportedly jammed the bus doors, trapping passengers inside as the fire spread. Of the 20 fatalities, 11 bodies have been identified, with forensic teams working to confirm the remaining through DNA testing if necessary. Police reported that the bus drivers fled the scene, and a manhunt is underway, with a case registered to investigate potential negligence, including the critical oversight of an open fuel tank that fuelled the explosion.

Also Read: Mystery Unfolds: Cause Behind Kurnool Bus Disaster; Death Toll rises to 20

The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with local residents and fire services rushing to the scene to assist before the flames were extinguished, leaving only a charred shell of the bus. The tragedy underscores recurring safety concerns on National Highway 44, a vital artery connecting southern India’s major cities, where high traffic and inadequate vehicle maintenance have led to prior accidents. As investigations continue to probe the precise causes—focusing on the collision dynamics and the bus’s safety compliance—authorities are under pressure to enforce stricter regulations to prevent such preventable losses, while affected families await closure and support amidst their grief.

Also Read: Mystery Unfolds: Cause Behind Kurnool Bus Disaster; Death Toll rises to 20