Lagatar24 Desk
Hyderabad: A tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has revealed grave safety lapses in the private interstate travel sector, with 19 passengers killed and one biker dead. Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao squarely blamed the bus driver and Kaveri Travels for the deadly accident, citing negligence and violation of safety norms.
Negligence and Poor Crisis Response Blamed
The fire reportedly began when the speeding Kaveri Travels bus hit a two-wheeler, dragging it for over 200 metres. The sparks from friction ignited the fire, which quickly spread. Minister Rao emphasized that had the driver stopped after hitting the bike instead of fleeing, the fire may have been contained.
After stopping, the driver tried to douse the flames with water, but failed. He then abandoned the bus without warning or helping passengers, said Rao. He also criticized Kaveri Travels for failing to train staff on emergency standard operating procedures (SOPs) and vowed strict punitive actions.
Illegal Modifications and Fire Hazards Identified
Investigations revealed the bus was illegally converted from a 42-seater to a sleeper coach, which reduced gangway space and blocked emergency exits. The vehicle lacked mini-hammers to break glass during emergencies and was fitted with flammable interiors like synthetic curtains and foam. A battery consignment in the luggage compartment further worsened the fire’s intensity.
The bus also had a suspicious registration history, first in Daman and Diu, then re-registered in Odisha—a known tactic to evade local regulatory checks and taxes.
Government Steps Up Regulatory Action
In response, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have announced sweeping measures including fitness checks, emergency preparedness training, and ban on unsafe vehicle modifications.
Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar warned that negligent operators may face murder charges. Joint legislation between Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka is also in progress to enhance road safety laws and enforcement.
