234 Realme phones explode in blaze in Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus fire

Parcel of smartphones worth ₹46 lakh and battery blasts intensified the fire on a Hyderabad–Bengaluru bus; officials probe sequence that started with fuel leak and bike collision.

A private Kaveri bus caught fire near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, killing 22 passengers after a rapid, fatal inferno that witnesses say was fuelled by exploding smartphone batteries. The bus was carrying a parcel of 234 Realme smartphones bound for Bengaluru; the consignment, valued at about ₹46 lakh, was being shipped by Hyderabad-based businessman Manganath and destined for Flipkart.

Also Read:Hero Naveen saves six lives in tragic Hyderabad-Bengaluru bus fire that killed 22

Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze began near the front of the bus, apparently from a fuel leak. At about the same time, a motorcycle collided with the bus and its petrol reportedly leaked, contributing to the rapid spread of flames. Passengers and onlookers said the phones’ batteries exploded inside the vehicle, accelerating the fire and blocking escape routes. Several other electrical batteries on board also detonated, officials said.

Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Director General P. Venkataraman confirmed that Realme phones’ batteries had exploded and that aluminium sheets inside the bus had melted under intense heat. He added that some electrical batteries on board had also detonated, worsening the blaze. Rescue teams reached the scene, but many passengers suffered severe burns and could not evacuate in time.

Also Read:Causes of Kurnool bus fire that killed 20 in Andhra Pradesh

Local police from the Madanapalle/Nelamangala–Kurnool jurisdiction visited the spot to record statements and begin a detailed probe. Forensic teams have taken possession of the wreck and the parcel. The bodies have been moved to the nearest government hospital for post-mortem examinations as part of the investigation. Authorities are examining the sequence of events, fuel leak, collision, and the presence of packed lithium-ion batteries, to determine exact causes and any legal violations in parcel carriage.