Kurnool bus fire: Lithium-ion batteries, smartphones worsened blaze, probe finds
What's the story
A preliminary investigation into the deadly bus fire in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh has suggested that the vehicle's batteries and a large consignment of smartphones worsened the blaze. The incident, which took place on Friday, killed 20 people, including 19 passengers and a motorcyclist. The private sleeper bus was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when it ran over a two-wheeler that had skidded after being driven recklessly.
Fire investigation
Forensic report on fire incident
According to preliminary investigation, a fuel leak at the front of the bus ignited after the motorcycle got trapped underneath, sparking a fire. Reportedly, the bus was also carrying 234 smartphones worth around ₹46 lakh, which were being transported by a trader through a logistics service, which exploded in the blaze, intensifying it. Moreover, forensic experts believe that lithium-ion batteries inside the devices exploded after the fire started, causing flames to spread rapidly across the passenger cabin.
Driver arrested
Bus driver, additional driver arrested
Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police Koya Praveen said there were two points of combustion: "First was the two-wheeler's fuel tank and the second was its impact on the bus's battery toolkit." The bus driver, Miriyala Lakshmaiah (42), escaped the fire by jumping through a passenger door and was later arrested by police along with additional driver Siva Narayana. They are accused of negligence and overspeeding.
Victim identification
DNA profiling of charred bodies underway
When the fire continued to rage and engulf the entire bus, a scared Lakshmaiah fled the spot. However, he was picked up by the police later. DNA profiling of the charred bodies is currently underway to establish their identities. The process is expected to be completed by Monday. Despite the tragedy, some passengers managed to escape through broken window panes with help from onlookers and additional driver Narayana.