Overview
- The sleeper coach caught fire near Veliminedu in Chityala mandal around 1:30–1:45 a.m. while traveling from Hyderabad’s BHEL toward Kandukur/Nellore.
- The driver reported smoke and sparks from the engine, halted immediately, and with the conductor evacuated 29 passengers through emergency exits.
- Two fire tenders and police reached the highway stretch and doused the flames, but the bus was completely gutted.
- Chityala police registered a fire-accident case, and Transport officials said a short-circuit is suspected pending Fire Services findings.
- On-scene video showed passengers urging retrieval of luggage reportedly including gold as others warned people to keep distance over fuel-tank risks.