234 Phones, 12 KV Batteries Among Items Found After Kurnool Bus Fire; Investigation Underway
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – A shocking revelation has come to light after the tragic bus fire in Kurnool, in which many people lost their lives and many passengers were injured. Investigators have confirmed that 234 mobile phones and 12 high-voltage (KV) batteries were found inside the vehicle, raising serious questions over the cause of the fire and the safety protocols followed in public transport vehicles.
Details of the bus fire incident
The incident occurred late on Tuesday night when a private bus plying on the Kurnool-Bangalore route caught fire near the outskirts of Kurnool city. Eyewitnesses said they saw thick smoke and flames inside the bus even before residents and officials reached the spot for rescue operations.
Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out in the rear compartment of the bus, where personal belongings and potentially flammable items were kept. Passengers described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly, with many struggling to escape through the limited exits. Emergency services arrived within 20 minutes and managed to get the fire under control, but not before several people suffered severe burns.
Search for phones and high-voltage batteries
During the investigation after the fire, Andhra Pradesh State Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. Officials recovered 234 mobile phones and 12 high-voltage batteries kept in the luggage compartment of the bus.
Inspector Ramesh Kumar, who is leading the investigation, said, “The presence of such a large number of electronic components and high-voltage batteries is worrying. We are looking into whether these items contributed to the fire or were being transported illegally.”
High-voltage batteries, often used in electric vehicles or large electronic setups, are highly flammable under certain conditions. Combined with improper storage and exposure to heat, they can pose significant fire hazards.
Potential Causes of the Fire
While investigations are ongoing, experts suggest several possibilities. The bus may have been carrying the batteries and phones in bulk for commercial purposes, and an accidental short circuit or overheating could have triggered the blaze.
Dr. Suresh Reddy, a fire safety specialist, explained, “High-capacity batteries, if damaged or exposed to high temperatures, can catch fire explosively. When combined with a large number of electronic devices like mobile phones, the risk increases manifold.”
Authorities are also examining whether negligence on the part of the bus operators or overloading of the luggage compartment contributed to the incident. The exact chain of events that led to the fire is still under scrutiny.
Impact on Passengers
The bus was carrying approximately 45 passengers at the time of the incident. Preliminary reports confirm that 12 passengers sustained serious injuries, while several others suffered minor burns and inhalation-related issues. Victims have been admitted to Kurnool General Hospital and surrounding healthcare facilities, where doctors are providing intensive treatment.
A survivor, Priya Rani, described the terrifying experience: “We were asleep when suddenly smoke filled the bus. People screamed and tried to open the emergency exits, but the fire spread so quickly. Many people were injured before the authorities arrived.”
Investigation and Legal Action
Kurnool police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Motor Vehicles Act. Officials are investigating whether the bus company violated safety norms including overloading and improper storage of flammable or hazardous materials.
Inspector Kumar stressed, “We are investigating from all angles – from the possibility of an accident to possible illegal transportation of high-capacity batteries. The owners of the bus and the persons responsible for the cargo are being questioned.”
Police have also contacted local distributors and suppliers of high-voltage batteries to trace the source of the items found on the bus. Investigators are looking into whether an attempt was made to smuggle these batteries or phones across state borders.
Safety concerns in public transportation
The Kurnool bus fire has once again highlighted the risks associated with public transport in India, particularly with regard to luggage safety and fire hazards. Transport experts say many buses are filled beyond capacity with passengers and goods and often ignore safety rules.
According to transportation safety guidelines, vehicles carrying flammable or hazardous goods must follow strict storage and handling rules. Failure to follow these guidelines not only puts passengers at risk but also poses a threat to road safety and public property.
Dr Reddy said, “Such incidents underline the importance of regular safety inspections and strict enforcement of transport rules. Passengers often believe that buses are safe, but hidden dangers such as high-capacity batteries can quickly turn tragic.”
Government and Authority Response
Following the incident, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has directed all private bus operators to inspect their vehicles for compliance with safety norms. The department has also emphasized that no bus should carry hazardous materials like high-voltage batteries without proper authorization.
State Transport Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed concern over the incident and assured stringent action: “The Kurnool bus fire is deeply tragic. We will ensure that strict investigations are conducted and safety regulations are enforced across all private and public transport services.”
Authorities have also urged passengers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or overloading in buses. Awareness campaigns are expected to be launched to educate travelers and transport operators about the risks of carrying flammable materials.
Public Awareness and Precautionary Measures
The incident serves as a wake-up call for both passengers and transport operators. Passengers are advised to:
- Check for proper luggage storage and avoid overcrowded compartments.
- Be cautious about the items they or others carry on buses.
- Familiarize themselves with emergency exits and fire safety measures.
- Report violations or safety concerns to authorities immediately.
Transport operators are being urged to follow safety protocols strictly, conduct regular maintenance checks, and ensure that hazardous items like batteries are not transported without authorization.
Conclusion
The Kurnool bus fire, with the shocking discovery of 234 phones and 12 high-voltage batteries, underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures in public transport. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on uncovering the cause of the fire, tracing the origin of the items, and holding responsible parties accountable.
With passengers’ lives at stake and public confidence shaken, this incident is likely to prompt stricter enforcement of transport safety laws, ensuring that tragedies of this nature are prevented in the future.
