Kurnool Bus Fire: Investigation Links Phone Shipment to Blaze

A tragic bus fire along National Highway 44 near Kurnool has claimed at least 20 lives, with investigations suggesting that a shipment of smartphones may have intensified the deadly blaze. The private bus, which was en route to Bengaluru and carrying 44 passengers, was engulfed in flames shortly after colliding with a motorcycle in the early hours of Friday.

Details of the Incident

The catastrophic event unfolded when the bus collided with a motorcycle, dragging it underneath and rupturing the fuel tank. This collision ignited an immediate inferno. Many passengers were asleep at the time, and the situation escalated when the bus door reportedly jammed due to a short circuit. Only around 20 passengers managed to escape by breaking the windows.

According to forensic experts cited by Zee News, the bus was transporting a significant consignment of 234 Realme smartphones, valued at ₹46 lakh (approximately $55,000 USD). The phones, allegedly being shipped by Hyderabad entrepreneur Manganath to the online retailer Flipkart, were packed in a manner that likely contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. The exploding lithium-ion batteries from the phones intensified the fire, complicating rescue efforts.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

Following the disaster, local police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A case has been filed against the bus drivers for rash driving and overspeeding based on the complaint of survivor N. Ramesh. While one of the drivers, Siva Narayana, initially received praise for helping some passengers escape, he has since been arrested after providing conflicting statements. The other driver, Lakshmaiah, fled the scene immediately after the accident.

This incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols and the conditions under which the bus was operating. The tragic loss of life has left the community in shock, highlighting the critical need for more stringent regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials.

As investigations continue, authorities are focused on piecing together the events that led to this devastating accident, hoping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.