Kurnool bus inferno intensified by 234 smartphones, fuel leak
What's the story
The devastating fire on a Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district left at least 19 dead and several injured. The bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was carrying around 40 passengers when the mishap occured on Friday. Initial reports suggest that a two-wheeler collided with the bus, dragging itself underneath with its fuel cap open. What is noteworthy is that a consignment of 234 Realme smartphones was inside the bus that exploded when the accident occurred.
Tragic aftermath
Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams for help
The fire quickly spread through the vehicle, jamming the bus door due to a short circuit. According to NDTV, the exploding batteries of these phones contributed to the intensity of the blaze that engulfed the bus Eyewitnesses reported hearing screams for help before the bus was completely engulfed in flames. Speaking to CNN-News18, Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy called the incident "unfortunate" and confirmed that over 40 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.
Identification efforts
DNA samples being collected to identify deceased
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said DNA samples are being collected to identify the deceased. He said forensic doctors have been sent to the scene and postmortems will be conducted on-site if possible. President Droupadi Murmu expressed shock over the incident, extending condolences to bereaved families and praying for injured passengers' speedy recovery.
Government response
PM Modi announces ex gratia, AP CM promises support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for injured passengers. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock over the incident and promised support to victims' families. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao instructed state officials to coordinate relief measures with Andhra Pradesh authorities.
Previous tragedy
Similar tragedy in Rajasthan days ago
The Kurnool bus fire comes just days after a similar tragedy in Rajasthan, where a bus fire killed 22 people, including three children. That incident occurred on October 14 when a bus traveling from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur caught fire due to a suspected short circuit in the air-conditioning unit. In the Kurnool incident, the consignment of smartphones was meant for the e-commerce giant Flipkart in Bengaluru, from where the phones would be supplied to customers.