Nandyal: Bus rams into lorry at Sirivella Metta, catches fire; 3 killed, 4 injured

Nandyal: Three people were killed and four others injured when a private bus en route to Hyderabad from Nellore jumped the road divider after a tyre burst and rammed into a container lorry, sparking a massive fire.

The accident occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m on Thursday near Sirivella Metta village in the district.

Tyre burst triggers fatal crash

According to police, the front right tyre of the private bus burst while it was negotiating the stretch, causing the driver to lose control.

The bus veered across the median and rammed into an oncoming container lorry. The impact led to an instant blaze, engulfing both vehicles within minutes.

Drivers and cleaner burnt alive

Officials said the bus driver, along with the lorry driver and cleaner, were charred to death beyond recognition in the fire. Their bodies are being shifted to the Government General Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Passengers trapped briefly as fire spreads

Panic broke out among the passengers as flames rapidly spread inside the bus. Police said the main door and emergency exit initially failed to open, leaving several passengers briefly trapped.

However, local residents and police personnel rushed to the spot, broke open the doors and windows, and helped passengers escape from the burning vehicle.

Most passengers safe; Four injured

A total of 36 passengers were travelling on the bus at the time of the accident. While most escaped unharmed, four passengers sustained minor fracture injuries and were shifted to the Nandyal Government General Hospital for treatment. “All passengers except the three deceased managed to disembark safely,” police said.

SP confirms sequence of events

Superintendent of Police Suneel Sheoran said the accident occurred between 1 a.m. and 1.40 a.m. “The front right tyre of the bus burst, forcing it to cross the divider and collide with an oncoming lorry. Following the collision, both vehicles caught fire,” the SP said.

Forensic teams to probe cause of fire

Police said RFSL and FSL teams from Kurnool are being dispatched to the accident site to examine whether the fire was caused directly due to the collision or triggered by a battery or fuel-related issue.

Traffic at the spot was later cleared and vehicular movement restored. Both vehicles remain at the site for further inspection.

Investigation underway

A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway. Further details are awaited.