Bhubaneswar: The luxury bus, which was completely gutted in flames near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh on Friday morning leaving at least 20 people dead, was registered in Odisha.
Reports, quoting Telangana Transport Department officials, said that the bus, operated by Vemuri Kaveri Travels and bearing registration number DD 01 N 9490, was registered in Rayagada. The officials further confirmed that it had accumulated multiple e-challans amounting to Rs 23,000 in Telangana for over-speeding violations.
While the Volvo multi-axle sleeper coach was originally registered in Daman and Diu in August 2018, and the vehicle’s registration was transferred to the Rayagada Regional Transport Office (RTO) on April 29, 2025. The proprietor, Vemuri Vinod Kumar, registered the vehicle under the address of Sai Laxmi Nagar in Rayagada. It was issued base tourist permit by Odisha Transport Department on May 1, 2025, and an All India Tourist Permit (AITP) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in August 2025, valid through July 2026, the NDTV reported, quoting official records.
All About The Bus
- Registered in Odisha
- Vehicle age: 7 years and 2 months
- Fitness valid up to: March 31, 2027
Earlier speaking to The Hindu, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that he had verified with officials that the bus involved in the accident in Kurnool district was not registered in Karnataka. The operator, he said, is based in Hyderabad, and the bus had been operating regularly to Bengaluru.
The Bus Fire
At least 19 passengers were charred to death and several others injured when the private sleeper coach travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 42 people including the driver onboard, caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district at around 3.30 am.
Among the deceased was the biker.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Koya Praveen confirmed that the fire started from the motorcycle. “The fuel tank of the bus is intact. The fire started from the bike’s fuel tank. As the material under the bus was highly combustible, the fire spread rapidly,” he told the media.
Police have detained one driver assigned to the bus, while the other is absconding. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the mishap and to verify whether the bus had all necessary operational permits.
Prez, PM & CMs Mourn Loss Of Lives
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in a tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh, terming the accident deeply unfortunate. “The loss of lives in a tragic bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, is deeply unfortunate. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Murmu said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the bus fire incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. “Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the PM said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who is currently on a UAE tour, said his government will extend all possible support to the injured and affected families. “I am shocked to learn about the devastating bus fire accident near Chinna Tekur village in Kurnool district. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones,” he posted on X.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has also conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He instructed state officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and take necessary relief measures.