Narrow escape for 43 passengers as private travel bus catches fire near Telangana’s Khammam
A private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Palasa caught fire near Khammam, Telangana, due to a suspected short circuit. All 43 passengers escaped safely thanks to the driver's quick actions.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding public transport safety and vehicle maintenance standards in India.
Around 43 passengers had a narrow escape when a private travel bus caught fire near Pallipadu village in Konijerla mandal of Khammam district around midnight on Sunday (September 20, 2026).
The bus was travelling from Hyderabad to Palasa in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh when the incident occurred.
On noticing flames emanating from the engine, the driver stopped the bus and ensured that all passengers alighted safely. He then doused the flames using fire extinguishers with the assistance of staff at a nearby fuel station.
A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire.
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