Nandyal: Three persons were charred to death and several others injured when a private bus and a container truck collided head-on near Shirivellametta village in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district.
The accident, which occurred in the wee hours on Thursday, claimed the lives of two drivers and a truck cleaner instantly as flames engulfed both vehicles.
As per information available, the accident occurred when the driver of an ARBCVR Private Travels bus — en route from Nellore to Hyderabad — with 36 passengers lost control of the vehicle following a tyre burst. The out-of-control vehicle veered across the road divider and rammed into the oncoming container truck. The impact of the crash resulted in a massive blaze that spread rapidly, trapping those at the front. Victims included the bus driver, truck driver and a cleaner. All there were burnt beyond recognition.
Passengers panicked as the main door and emergency exit of the bus got jammed due to the impact. However, the driver of another vehicle rushed in to help. He shattered bus windows enabling panicky passengers to jump out. Local residents, along with the bus conductor and cleaner, also helped in rescue effort, preventing a higher toll. Over 15 passengers sustained burn injuries and fractures. All were rushed to Nandyal Government General Hospital for treatment. Fire tenders doused the flames after hours, reducing both vehicles to ashes.
Nandyal police have registered a case, probing tyre maintenance, speed and road conditions. Statements from survivors are being recorded.
