Could the explosion of smartphones have worsened the Andhra Pradesh bus fire?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident in Kurnool, a bus fire claimed the lives of 19 passengers. Preliminary investigations suggest that a shipment of smartphones might have intensified the flames. Discover how the series of explosions contributed to the disaster and the ongoing investigations to uncover the truth behind this horrific event.
Key Takeaways
- 234 smartphones exploded in a bus fire.
- The fire resulted in 19 fatalities.
- Initial reports suggest a motorcycle might have triggered the blaze.
- Investigations involve 16 teams from various departments.
- Forensic teams are conducting DNA tests on remains.
Kurnool, Oct 25 (NationPress) The detonation of a shipment containing 234 smartphones aboard the Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus that burst into flames in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, resulting in the tragic deaths of 19 passengers, might have exacerbated the fire, according to initial findings from the Andhra Pradesh Police.
This shipment, valued at Rs 46 lakh, belonged to a businessman based in Hyderabad and was intended for delivery to a firm in Bengaluru.
Eyewitnesses recounted to law enforcement that as flames consumed the bus, they were startled by a sequence of explosions.
The shipment of smartphones, belonging to a specific brand, was stored in the luggage compartment beneath the seats. The fire reportedly ignited beneath the bus, where a motorcycle was lodged, leading to flames spreading to the luggage area.
The lithium batteries of the smartphones exploded, which forensic specialists believe may have further fueled the fire.
As per P. Venkataraman, Director-General of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Department, the electrical batteries powering the bus's air conditioning system also detonated, intensifying the inferno.
He noted that the heat was so intense that it caused the aluminum sheets on the bus floor to melt. The official recounted witnessing bones and ash falling from the melted sheets.
Sixteen investigative teams from the Police and Forensic Departments are examining the incident from every possible angle.
Ten teams, consisting of forensic experts, are performing DNA analyses on the charred remains of the victims.
State Home Minister V. Anitha indicated that four specialized teams have been assembled to investigate the nature of the explosions, with two teams focusing on chemical analysis.
Initial investigations also point out that the fire ignited in the front section of the bus after it collided with a motorcycle that had become stuck underneath.
The petrol spill from the motorcycle, combined with the heat or a potential spark, may have triggered the fire, which rapidly engulfed the entire bus.
The bus driver informed authorities that the vehicle had struck the motorcycle, which was abandoned on the roadway. The driver speculated that the motorcyclist had already been involved in an accident, and the bus ran over the motorcycle.
The bus, operated by V Kaveri Travels, departed from Hyderabad on Thursday night, only to become involved in a horrific accident near Chinnatekur village on the outskirts of Kurnool between 3 a.m. and 3:15 a.m. on Friday.
While 19 passengers, including two children, perished in the blaze, 27 passengers managed to escape.
The deceased include six individuals from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two each from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one each from Odisha and Bihar. One of the deceased remains unidentified.
Point of View
It's imperative to acknowledge the profound tragedy that unfolded in Kurnool. The loss of life is immeasurable, and the investigations into the circumstances surrounding the bus fire must be thorough and transparent. Understanding the causes, including the potential role of smartphone explosions, is crucial to prevent future incidents. Our thoughts are with the victims' families during this difficult time.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus fire in Kurnool?
The fire is believed to have been aggravated by the explosion of a shipment of smartphones, alongside a potential fuel leak from a motorcycle.
How many passengers died in the bus fire?
Tragically, 19 passengers, including two children, lost their lives in the fire.
What is being done to investigate the incident?
Sixteen teams from the Police and Forensic Departments are investigating, including forensic experts conducting DNA tests on the remains.
Where did the bus fire incident occur?
The bus fire occurred near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
What company operated the bus involved in the fire?
The bus was operated by V Kaveri Travels.
