Fri Oct 24 06:16:25 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

A private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire in Chinnatekur village, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, on the morning of October 24, 2025. Initial reports suggest the bus, belonging to Vemuri Kaveri Travels, collided with a two-wheeler, causing friction and igniting a fire. Despite rain, the fire spread rapidly. Transport officials confirmed all statutory permits, fitness certificates, tax payments, and insurance were valid and up-to-date. The bus was purchased in 2018, initially registered in Daman and Diu, and subsequently re-registered in Odisha. It held both a state tourist permit and an All-India Tourist Permit. The accident resulted in fatalities.

News Article:

Several Killed in Kurnool Bus Fire; Collision Suspected

VIJAYAWADA, INDIA – October 24, 2025 – A devastating fire engulfed a private bus near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, this morning, resulting in multiple fatalities. The bus, en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire at approximately 11:46 am IST while traveling through the Kalluru mandal during rainfall.

Initial reports from the Transport Department suggest the tragedy may have been triggered by a collision between the speeding bus and a two-wheeler. The two-wheeler reportedly became lodged underneath the bus, potentially causing intense friction that ignited a fire in the vehicle’s undercarriage. Despite the rain, the flames quickly spread.

“We have received reports indicating a collision with a two-wheeler may have initiated the fire,” stated a Transport Department official. “The intense friction generated could have been the catalyst, even with the presence of rain.”

The ill-fated bus, owned by Vemuri Kaveri Travels under the proprietorship of Vemuri Vinod Kumar, had all necessary permits in order, according to Transport Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha. “Our records show that the vehicle’s registration, permits, fitness certification, tax payments, and insurance coverage were all valid and current,” Sinha told The Hindu.

Documents shared with The Hindu reveal the bus was purchased on May 2, 2018, and initially registered in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu on August 8, 2018. It was subsequently re-registered with the Rayagada Regional Transport Office (RTO), Odisha, on 29th April 2025. The vehicle held a tourist permit issued by the Odisha Transport Department, valid from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2030, allowing it to operate as a tourist bus within the state. The bus also possessed an All-India Tourist Permit (AITP) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, valid from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, permitting operation throughout India. The latest fitness certificate was valid until March 31, 2027, road tax had been paid until March 31, 2026, and insurance was valid until April 20, 2026.

Fire service personnel are currently at the scene, removing the burnt remains of the bus. Authorities are investigating the incident further to determine the exact cause and extent of the casualties. A list of passengers is being compiled.

Read More