Nineteen die after bus hits two-wheeler and catches fire in Andhra, few passengers jumped out of windows for survival

The bus, which was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, met with an accident near Ulindakonda in the Kurnool district of the southern state of India.

The bus, which began its journey from Hyderabad at around 3:30 am, collided with the two-wheeler, when it reached the National Highway 44 (NH-44).

Police suspect the two-wheeler got stuck under the belly of the bus causing the fire, NDTV reported.

As per reports, several people were asleep at the time of the accident.

Some passengers broke the windows and jumped out of the bus to save themselves. The door was jammed after the incident.

Out of 23 passengers who managed to escape the fire, 15, who suffered injuries due to jumping out of the bus, are being treated at government and private hospitals.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu posted on X, "I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Government authorities will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families."

Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy said his department is cross-checking to verify the health of the bus which met with the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each who died in the accident and the injured would be given Rs. 50,000.

"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," the PMO wrote on X.