A devastating fire erupted on National Highway 44 (NH-44) near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, tragically claiming the lives of 19 passengers on a bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday.
While initial reports suggested a collision with a motorcycle, a police investigation clarified that the bus ran over a bike already lying on the highway, having been involved in a prior accident. This event triggered the inferno, leaving passengers little time to react as most were asleep.
The bus was also carrying a significant cargo: approximately 234 new smartphones valued at ₹46 lakh, being transported from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. Forensics experts suggest that the explosion of these phones, possibly due to their lithium batteries overheating, combined with the explosion of the bus’s own 12 KV AC system batteries, significantly intensified the fire. Eyewitnesses reported hearing popping sounds during the blaze, indicative of exploding batteries. Spilled petrol from the damaged bike is also believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
However, authorities also noted that highly combustible materials within the bus, such as metallic paint, may have further fueled the flames. The exact sequence and primary cause are still under detailed examination.