A bus fire in southern India on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people. Local reports indicate that the incident was exacerbated by the presence of hundreds of smartphones onboard, which were carrying lithium-ion batteries. The bus was en route to Bangalore when it collided with a motorcycle, causing a rupture in the fuel tank and a subsequent explosion.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where approximately 40 passengers struggled to escape as locals attempted to rescue survivors. Forensic experts mentioned that the bus had been transporting 234 mobile phones, and they believe that the lithium-ion batteries likely intensified the fire once they were compromised in the accident. Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patel noted that the combination of the bus’s batteries, flammable materials, and the cargo contributed significantly to the severity of the fire.
Additionally, P. Venkataraman, the director-general of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Department, stated that the air conditioning system’s electrical batteries also exploded, further worsening the situation. Reports indicate that the value of the smartphones, destined for an e-commerce company in Bengaluru, was approximately 4.6 million Indian rupees (around $52,377).
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, can pose fire hazards when damaged, as they may undergo thermal runaway—a dangerous increase in temperature that is difficult to control using standard firefighting measures. The fire can also spread to nearby batteries.
Authorities have launched an investigation into potential negligence regarding the crash, noting that the bus driver fled the scene. The motorcyclist involved is reported to be among the fatalities. In India, buses are a prevalent mode of transportation, but issues with safety compliance and vehicle overcrowding are common.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c15pnlz3gdvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss