Nellore (Andhra Pradesh): Survivors of the Kaveri Travels bus fire that killed at least 20 passengers early Friday morning recounted scenes of chaos and panic as flames rapidly engulfed the vehicle after it collided with a two-wheeler on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway near Nellore.
Trapped inside as flames spread
Several passengers said they woke up to screams and smoke filling the bus moments after the collision. With the doors locked, they were forced to smash emergency windows to escape.
Jayant Kushwaha, who was travelling from Hyderabad, recalled the terrifying sequence:
“Around 2:30–2:40 am, the bus stopped, and I woke up to see it on fire. Only two or three people were awake. We yelled to wake everyone up. The doors were locked, and we couldn’t locate the driver. We broke the emergency window and jumped out.”
‘We saw people trapped inside’
Another survivor, Ashwin, said the fire spread “within seconds,” leaving little time for anyone to react.
“By the time we realised what was happening, the flames had reached the seats. We could hear people screaming for help but couldn’t go back,” he said, still shaken.
Passenger Ashok, who escaped with minor burns, added that the bus was completely engulfed within minutes, making rescue nearly impossible. “It was pitch dark. Some of us managed to pull a few people out through broken windows, but most were trapped inside,” he said.
At least 20 dead, 20 others escape
According to initial reports, 20 people managed to escape before the fire consumed the vehicle, while at least 20 others were burnt alive. Fire tenders from nearby stations were deployed to douse the flames, but officials said the intensity of the blaze made recovery difficult.
Police said the bus was travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it hit a two-wheeler near Kalathur village, triggering the fire. Preliminary investigations suggest that diesel leakage from the impact may have caused the rapid spread of flames.
CM Chandrababu Naidu orders probe
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to conduct a high-level probe. He also instructed the district administration to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and support for victims’ families.
“Deeply pained by the loss of lives in the bus accident near Nellore. I have ordered an inquiry and directed officials to extend all help to the survivors,” Naidu said in a post on X.
Authorities identify victims
Rescue teams have begun identifying the victims with the help of travel company records and relatives. Many passengers were reportedly IT professionals and students returning to Bengaluru after the festive break.
Eyewitnesses recall frantic rescue attempts
Locals near the accident spot said they rushed to help upon hearing the explosion. “By the time we reached, the fire had spread throughout the bus. We tried to break open the windows with rods, but the heat was unbearable,” said a resident of Kalathur.
Police and fire officials remained at the site till morning to clear debris and recover remains.
Conclusion
The Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway tragedy has once again raised concerns about night-time bus safety, driver fatigue, and lack of effective emergency exits in private long-distance buses. Authorities are now examining whether safety norms were violated by the transport operator.