Telangana minister blames driver; Who is responsible for lives lost in Kurnool bus fire?

A deadly bus fire near Kurnool claimed 19 lives and exposed grave lapses in safety protocols, driver conduct, and travel company practices. Who is accountable, and what measures will prevent future tragedies?

Hyderabad: A devastating fire on a private interstate bus near Kurnool early Friday morning claimed the lives of 19 passengers, while a biker hit by the speeding bus also died at the scene. The incident has ignited widespread concerns over safety lapses in the private travel sector, highlighting a dangerous mix of human error, corporate negligence, and regulatory shortcomings.

Driver and Travel Company Held Accountable

Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao pointed fingers at the bus driver and Kaveri Travels, the operating company, asserting that the tragedy could have been avoided. Speaking with a news agency, Rao said the fire started due to the driver's failure to stop after hitting the two-wheeler. "If he had stopped the bus immediately, instead of fleeing, this major fire would not have happened," Rao stated.

After colliding with the motorbike, the bus dragged it for over 200 metres, causing sparks that ignited the blaze. Though the driver noticed the fire and attempted to douse it with water, he eventually abandoned the passengers instead of raising an alarm or guiding them to safety. Rao also criticized Kaveri Travels for not providing proper crisis training or ensuring staff were familiar with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for emergencies.

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Illegal Modifications and Safety Lapses

Reports indicate that the bus was illegally converted from a 42-seater to a sleeper bus, reducing aisle space and blocking emergency exits. No mini-hammers were provided to break glass in emergencies, and highly flammable materials such as L foam, seat cushions, and synthetic curtains accelerated the spread of fire. Additionally, luggage carrying cell phones and batteries may have contributed to the rapid ignition.

Authorities also noted the bus had a suspicious registration history, originally registered in Daman and Diu before being re-registered in Odisha—a tactic sometimes used to evade taxes and inspections.

Government Response and Regulatory Measures

In response, both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have announced strict measures to tighten bus safety regulations. Authorities have ordered immediate fitness, safety, and permit inspections of private travel buses, along with mandatory driver training on emergency protocols. Plans include seizing unfit buses, penalizing illegal vehicle modifications, and discouraging the use of non-fire-retardant materials in bus interiors.

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar warned that operators found negligent could face charges of murder. Officials from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka will meet to discuss long-term legislation to strengthen road safety and prevent such incidents in the future.

Public Safety Under Scrutiny

The Kurnool tragedy has intensified scrutiny of private interstate travel operators, shining a harsh light on the systemic lapses that endanger lives. Authorities are emphasizing that safety standards must take precedence over profit, while the public demands accountability for the loss of innocent lives.