Public outrage erupts on social media after Kurnool bus tragedy

Public outrage surged after a deadly private bus fire in Kurnool claimed nearly 20 lives. Social media users blamed the bus operator for negligence, called for stricter safety regulations, and demanded a high-level probe into transport safety failures.

Hyderabad: A firestorm of public outrage over the tragic private bus fire incident near Kurnool erupted on multiple social media platforms on Friday.

Users, especially on X, were incensed over the 16 challans worth Rs 23,000 issued for violations on the bus and demanded accountability.

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Many of them blamed the private bus operator for alleged negligence that led to the death of nearly 20 passengers. Trending under hashtags like #BusSafetyNow and #KurnoolTragedy, the public outcry intensified following chilling survivor accounts.

“The lessons are not learnt from 2021 to 2025, Jabbar to Kaveri. When you know that a simple alarm or water sprinklers can wake up people and control the fire, then why are buses not having it? Why are you not ensuring all buses have this?” Praveen posted on X.

Compounding the fury, initial police reports citing driver overspeeding and records showing the travel company had incurred numerous traffic fines are being widely circulated.

Another individual on X recalled how two such incidents took place in a week. “Two private AC buses caught fire within 10 days, the first in Jaisalmer on Oct 14 and the second in Kurnool. Time to learn one more survival skill in India. These buses have poor wiring, unauthorized modifications, and plenty of flammable material, enough to give you one of the worst possible deaths,” he posted.

The general public also demanded a high-level probe into transport safety regulations, arguing that the recurring nature of such incidents highlights a systemic failure.

20+ lives lost in Kurnool bus fire. Families shattered. Injured fighting for life. 😔
PM announces ₹2L ex-gratia. But… road safety ka kya?
Kitni aur tragedies tab tak dekhni padengi before we take it seriously? 🚨🛣️ #KurnoolTragedy #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/YvgVtBHR0E

— Ak47 (@Ak47Sameerkhan) October 24, 2025

Devastating to hear about the loss of 20 lives in the Kurnool bus fire. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. May we learn from this tragedy to enhance road safety. #KurnoolTragedy #RoadSafety

— Er.Rajiv (@Rajiv_siait) October 24, 2025