A horrific bus fire in India has left 21 people dead after suspected lithium-ion batteries being transported in the vehicle's luggage compartment ignited into an uncontrollable inferno.
The tragedy occurred early Tuesday morning in the state of Andhra Pradesh, turning what should have been an ordinary journey into a scene of devastation that has shocked the nation.
The Fateful Journey
The private bus was travelling from Bangalore to Hyderabad when the disaster struck near the town of Palem in the early hours. According to local authorities, the fire appears to have started in the luggage compartment where passengers had stored various electronic devices containing lithium batteries.
An eyewitness described the terrifying scene: "The bus was completely engulfed in flames within minutes. There was no time for most passengers to escape. It was like a fireball on wheels."
Lithium Battery Dangers
This tragic incident highlights the growing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, which power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. These energy-dense power sources can pose significant fire risks if damaged, overheated, or improperly handled.
Fire safety experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of transporting large quantities of lithium batteries in confined spaces, where thermal runaway - an uncontrollable self-heating state - can lead to rapid fire spread.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely challenging. The fire was so severe that the entire bus was reduced to a charred metal frame.
Local police commissioner Rajesh Kumar confirmed: "Our preliminary investigation strongly suggests lithium batteries caused this catastrophic fire. We're working to identify the specific devices involved and how they ignited."
The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter regulations governing the transport of electronic devices on public transport, with safety campaigners demanding immediate action to prevent similar disasters.
