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A devastating fire accident occurred in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Friday morning after a Hyderabad–Bengaluru bound sleeper bus operated by V. Kaveri Travels caught fire on National Highway 44 near Chinnatekur village.

According to police, the incident happened when a two-wheeler coming from behind collided with the bus, getting trapped under it and triggering an explosion in the fuel tank. Within moments, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire vehicle.

There were around 39 passengers on board at the time. At least 20 people were burned alive, while 12 others managed to escape with minor injuries. Many victims were asleep when the blaze erupted and could not make it out in time.

Emergency services rushed to the scene as flames engulfed the bus, which was completely gutted by the time firefighters brought the blaze under control. The injured were shifted to Kurnool Government General Hospital for treatment.

Most passengers were residents of Hyderabad, police said. Both drivers fled the spot immediately after the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the conduct of the bus operators.