A tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has shocked the entire nation. The incident took place on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Highway, claiming the lives of 11 passengers. Leaders Express Grief Over Kurnool Bus Fire and called for stronger safety systems to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said the tragedy was “deeply tragic and painful.” He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured. He also emphasized that public transport safety must become a national priority. Gandhi urged that accountability should be fixed for vehicle maintenance and accident prevention.
Similarly, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow. He said that the repeated occurrence of such accidents shows serious gaps in the transport system. Kharge urged the government to take strict action and ensure that operators follow safety laws properly.
From the Telugu Desam Party, Nara Lokesh also mourned the victims, calling the incident “heartbreaking.” So, he extended sympathy to the families and demanded better checks for private bus services.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan joined in expressing grief. They described the loss of lives as “deeply unfortunate” and prayed for the quick recovery of survivors. The bus, a private Volvo traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad, caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur in Kallur mandal. Out of 40 passengers, twelve survived with minor injuries by breaking open the emergency exit.
Every year, India witnesses thousands of road deaths. According to transport data, around 3,000 people died in road accidents in Punjab alone in 2020. These numbers show the urgent need for safer highways, trained drivers, and well-maintained vehicles. While the government launched the National Road Safety Policy in 2010, experts say its results are uneven across states.
In India, most intercity travel depends on private operators, which makes strict supervision necessary. Officials believe regular vehicle inspections, better driver training, and awareness programs can save many lives. Several road safety campaigns are already in progress, but their implementation remains weak in some regions.
Moreover, emergency response systems need improvement. Experts recommend installing more fire extinguishers, better escape windows, and stronger safety drills for passengers. Such steps can reduce the scale of loss during accidents.
However, as the nation mourns, citizens and leaders agree that change is necessary. This tragedy is a painful reminder that transport safety cannot be ignored. Leaders Express Grief Over the Kurnool Bus Fire, urging authorities to strengthen laws, improve maintenance, and protect every passenger on the road.
