In a horrific road accident late Thursday night near Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh, a private bus en route from Nellore to Hyderabad collided head-on with a lorry after a tire burst, igniting a massive fire that claimed three lives. Four passengers sustained minor fractures and are receiving treatment at the local government hospital.
Nandyal SP Sunil Shyoran confirmed the incident occurred between 1 and 2 a.m. The bus’s front right tire burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered across the road divider and smashed into an oncoming lorry. Flames erupted immediately, engulfing both vehicles completely.
Traffic came to a standstill as the blaze raged. Quick response from police and local residents prevented further casualties. They broke open the bus doors and windows, rescuing all 36 passengers safely. While most escaped unharmed, four were admitted with fractures.
Tragically, the bus driver, lorry driver, and cleaner perished in the fire. Police recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem. Teams from Kurnool’s RFCL and FCL arrived to investigate the fire’s cause—whether from the impact or a battery malfunction.
Authorities have launched a probe, emphasizing road safety amid rising accidents on busy highways. This incident underscores the need for regular vehicle maintenance and stricter tire checks for commercial fleets. The highway has been cleared, restoring normal traffic flow.