Bus-motorcycle collision sparks fire, kills 20 in India

At least 20 passengers were killed when a bus caught fire following a collision with a motorcycle in India’s Andhra Pradesh state early Friday (October 24).

The accident took place around 3:30am in Chinnatekur, Kurnool district, on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru route.

According to the Times of India, the bus was carrying 41 passengers. So far, 21 have been rescued alive, while 20 bodies were recovered—11 of which have been identified.

The injured were taken to Kurnool Government Hospital, and officials fear the death toll may rise.

Police said the private bus, traveling at high speed, hit a motorcycle that became trapped under its front section, triggering the fire. Most passengers were asleep and unable to escape. Locals tried to extinguish the flames, but the bus was completely burned before firefighters arrived.

Police are searching for the fugitive driver.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, directed top officials to oversee rescue operations, and assured medical assistance for the injured.