Kurnool Bus Accident: Bengaluru–Hyderabad Kaveri Bus Ignored 16 Traffic Fines, Including Overspeeding

A routine journey turned into a nightmare when a V Kaveri Travels bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire near Kurnool, claiming 20 lives. The bus, following the busy highway corridor through Kurnool, Anantapur, and Hindupur, was supposed to be a standard overnight ride. Instead, it has become a stark reminder of how negligence and ignored warnings can have devastating consequences.

Frequent Traffic Violations

The V Kaveri bus registered as DD 01 N 9490 had a history of traffic violations, with 16 challans issued in Telangana alone. These fines, which totalled ₹23,120, had not been paid. The violations included overspeeding and incorrect city permit entries. Complaints against the bus also highlighted dangerous driving and taking incorrect routes, raising serious safety concerns.

The bus was registered in Rayagada district of Odisha, according to Telangana Transport Department officials.

In the wake of the accident, the Prime Minister's Office stepped in, announcing financial aid for the victims' families. Each family that lost a loved one will receive ₹2,00,000, while the injured will be granted ₹50,000.

The Telangana transport department has launched a thorough probe, aiming to uncover the full story behind the bus's operations. Officials are determined to ensure accountability and to prevent such catastrophic incidents in the future.

The bus accident brought back grim memories of the 2013 Mahbubnagar bus fire, where 45 passengers lost their lives in just over 10 minutes while travelling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad. Investigations at the time revealed that the Volvo bus caught fire when part of a culvert struck the battery compartment, igniting the fuel tanks and trapping passengers due to blocked exits.

Officials highlighted that both road and vehicle design are closely scrutinised during such investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.