Kurnool: The ongoing probe into the Kurnool bus fire tragedy has revealed a significant development — a consignment of 400 smartphones was present on the bus at the time of the accident. Forensic experts suggest that the lithium-ion batteries in these phones may have intensified the blaze, which claimed the lives of at least 20 people.
The bus, operated by Kaveri Travels, was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the fire broke out near Kurnool. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire spread rapidly within 10 to 15 minutes, leaving passengers with minimal chances to escape. Investigators are analysing whether the phones, along with the bus’s fuel tank explosion, contributed to the severity of the fire.
Investigation and forensic findings
Chemical analysis teams have collected samples from the bus wreckage to determine the precise cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the fuel tank explosion may have triggered the initial blaze, while the smartphone consignment potentially accelerated its spread. The phones were reportedly being transported to Bengaluru for delivery by a major e-commerce company.
Experts emphasised that incidents like these are not isolated. Private long-distance buses in India often show serious safety lapses, including non-functional emergency exits and unauthorised electrical modifications aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. Such alterations frequently overload the vehicle’s electrical system, increasing the risk of fire.
Safety concerns in private bus operations
Telangana fire officials have highlighted the need for regular servicing of high-pressure air-conditioning systems, which can exacerbate overheating if poorly maintained. Automobile safety experts further warned that illegal workshops performing unlicensed modifications contribute to the frequency and severity of such accidents.
Officials are now urging the government to tighten enforcement of safety norms, conduct mandatory electrical system inspections for private operators, and impose strict penalties on bus operators and unlicensed workshops that compromise passenger safety.
Public and government response
The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the tragedy. Transport authorities are coordinating with fire and forensic departments to examine whether negligence or regulatory lapses played a key role.
The tragedy has sparked nationwide concern about the safety standards of interstate private buses, especially those carrying passengers and valuable cargo. Experts caution that without urgent corrective measures, such incidents are likely to continue, endangering countless lives.
Conclusion
The Kurnool bus fire serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by unsafe bus operations and overloaded vehicles. While the presence of 400 smartphones may have intensified the blaze, investigators insist that the root causes — negligence, illegal modifications, and weak regulatory enforcement — must be addressed to prevent further tragedies. Authorities have urged private bus operators to comply strictly with safety regulations to ensure passenger security.