An APSRTC Palle Velugu bus caught fire after its roof touched low-hanging high-tension power cables in Veerannagattupalle village, Kadapa district, on Sunday. The 22 passengers spotted smoke rising, alerted the driver to halt the bus, and evacuated safely. The vehicle was almost completely gutted by the time fire tenders arrived.
The APSRTC rural service Palle Velugu bus was en route from Kadiri in Sri Sathya Sai district to Vempalle in Kadapa district when its roof made contact with low-hanging high-tension power cables at Veerannagattupalle village on Sunday evening. Upon noticing smoke from the roof, the 22 passengers raised an alarm, prompting the driver to stop the bus immediately. Everyone evacuated safely before the fire spread.
The vehicle quickly burst into flames and was nearly completely destroyed by the time fire tenders reached the remote site. Stranded passengers had to arrange alternative transport to continue their journey.
Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy sought details of the incident and praised the driver for his prompt action. He commended the driver for "bringing the bus to a halt and saving the lives of the passengers." The episode has raised concerns amid half a dozen similar incidents in Andhra Pradesh over the past fortnight.
