Three men died and four were hurt when a private bus from Nellore to Hyderabad burst its tire near Nandyal, crashing into a lorry and igniting a ferocious fire late Thursday. The double-vehicle inferno highlighted rescue heroics that saved dozens.
Police reports indicate the crash happened between 1 and 2 a.m. Losing grip after the tire failure, the bus driver hurtled across the central divider straight into the lorry’s lane. The violent impact instantly set both ablaze, blocking the highway and trapping passengers.
Responders, including Nandyal police and locals, acted decisively. They shattered glass and forced entry points, evacuating all 36 bus travelers without additional losses. The injured quartet, with slight fractures, is stable in hospital.
Victims were the bus operator, lorry driver, and his assistant, their bodies badly burned and now under forensic review. Fire origin probes focus on collision mechanics versus potential battery explosions, with Kurnool experts on site.
This harrowing event amplifies calls for enhanced safety protocols on inter-state routes. From mandatory tire pressure monitoring to fire suppression tech in vehicles, reforms are overdue. Police investigations proceed to assign accountability and prevent recurrences.