Kurnool Bus Fire: 234 Smartphones Triggered Deadly Blast, 20 Lives Lost in Fiery Tragedy

A shocking revelation has emerged in the investigation of the Kurnool bus fire tragedy in Andhra Pradesh. What was initially believed to be a routine fire accident has now turned into a horrifying story of technology gone wrong. Officials have confirmed that a parcel containing 234 brand-new smartphones was kept inside the bus — and their battery explosions transformed the vehicle into a blazing inferno within seconds.

According to the forensic report, the smartphones, worth nearly ₹46 lakh, were being transported by a Hyderabad-based trader. When the bus caught fire on the highway, the lithium-ion batteries inside the phones began to explode one after another, engulfing the entire bus in flames. Witnesses reported hearing multiple blasts followed by thick black smoke, leaving passengers trapped with no time to escape.

Tragically, 20 passengers lost their lives on the spot in this horrific incident.

Director General of Fire Services P. Venkataraman, who was present at the site, revealed that not only did the mobile batteries explode, but the bus’s air-conditioner battery also burst, intensifying the blaze. He further noted that even the aluminium flooring of the bus melted due to the extreme heat — a clear indication of structural flaws.

Venkataraman added that the bus design itself was unsafe. “The aluminium floor sheet is highly flammable. For passenger safety, it should have been made of iron. The company compromised safety to reduce the vehicle’s weight,” he said.

Reports suggest that the tragedy began when the bus hit a motorcycle, dragging it several meters. The bike’s petrol caught fire, and as soon as sparks reached the smartphone parcel, a chain reaction of explosions started inside the bus.

The Kurnool bus fire has now become a grim reminder of how a small safety lapse can lead to a catastrophic disaster. It also raises a serious question — are we so obsessed with technology that we’ve forgotten basic safety?

One bus. 234 smartphones. 20 lives lost.
This tragedy will haunt memories for years to come.

Safety message: If you transport electronic goods via buses or trucks, always ensure proper safety checks to avoid such disasters.

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