The terrifying incident unfolded around 1:30 AM near Pittampally village in Chityal Mandal, Nalgonda district. Passengers were jolted awake when thick smoke started billowing from the rear of the moving bus. Within moments, flames erupted and rapidly engulfed the entire vehicle.
Quick Thinking by Crew Prevents Casualties
Thanks to the presence of mind of the bus driver and conductor, all 29 passengers – including women and children – were safely evacuated through emergency exits before the fire spread uncontrollably. Eyewitnesses praised the crew for maintaining calm and guiding everyone to safety on the dark highway.
“The driver stopped the bus immediately after spotting smoke and shouted for everyone to get out. In less than two minutes, the whole bus was in flames,” said a passenger who escaped unhurt.
Fire tenders from the nearby Chityal station rushed to the spot and battled the blaze for over an hour before bringing it under control. By then, the luxury sleeper-coach bus was reduced to a charred skeleton.
No Injuries Reported; Police Launch Probe
Miraculously, no casualties or injuries were reported in the NH-65 bus fire incident. Local police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the fire.
Preliminary observations suggest a possible short-circuit in the engine or electrical wiring, though officials are also examining fuel leakage and mechanical failure.
- Location: Pittampally, Chityal Mandal, Nalgonda
- Highway: NH-65 (Hyderabad-Vijayawada route)
- Bus Operator: Private travels (Hyderabad-Kandukur)
- Passengers Saved: 29
Rising Concerns Over Bus Safety in Telangana
This is the third reported bus fire incident in Telangana within the past six months, raising fresh questions about vehicle maintenance standards, especially for long-distance private operators. Transport authorities have assured stricter safety audits in the wake of the NH-65 blaze.
Commuters have urged the installation of fire suppression systems and mandatory fire safety training for drivers and conductors on high-risk routes like the Hyderabad-Vijayawada corridor.
Key Takeaways:
- Driver heroism saves lives on NH-65
- Zero casualties despite rapid spread of fire
- Police investigation underway for exact cause
- Call for enhanced bus safety protocols in Telangana
As the scorched remains of the bus were towed away at dawn, the incident served as a stark reminder of how vital alertness and preparedness are in preventing road tragedies.
