Tragic Highway Accident: Three Killed in Fiery Collision in Nandyal

New Delhi, january 22, 2026: A horrific road accident claimed the lives of three people in the early hours of Thursday, January 22, 2026, when a private bus suffered a tyre burst and collided with a container truck, resulting in a massive fire.

The incident occurred between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM near Sirivella Metta on the Allagadda-Nandyal National Highway. The private bus, operated by ARBCVR Travels, was en route from Nellore to Hyderabad with 36 passengers on board.

The Sequence of Events

According to police officials, the tragedy was triggered by a sudden front right tyre burst. The driver lost control of the bus, causing it to jump the road divider and veer into the opposite lane. It then rammed head-on into a container truck that was transporting motorcycles.

The impact was so severe that both vehicles immediately burst into flames. The fire spread with such speed that the occupants of the cabins were unable to escape.

Casualties and Heroic Rescues

The victims have been identified as:

• The driver of the private bus.
• The driver of the container truck.
• The cleaner of the container truck.

All three were charred to death beyond recognition as the flames gutted the vehicles within minutes.

Despite the intensity of the blaze, a major catastrophe was averted thanks to the bravery of locals and a passing motorist. A driver of a local DCM vehicle who witnessed the crash immediately stopped and rushed to the bus. He, along with the bus conductor and local residents, broke the window panes of the bus, allowing the 36 trapped passengers to leap to safety.

Current Status and Investigation

While the three crew members perished, all passengers survived. Approximately 15 passengers sustained injuries, including four who suffered minor fractures. They are currently receiving treatment at the Nandyal Government Hospital.

Key investigation points:

• Forensic Analysis: Teams from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) in Kurnool have been dispatched to determine if the fire was caused solely by the collision or if battery-related issues played a role.
• Government Action: Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy expressed deep shock over the incident and has directed health officials to provide the best possible medical care to the survivors.

Traffic on the National Highway was disrupted for several hours as cranes were brought in to remove the charred remains of the vehicles. An investigation into the mechanical condition of the bus is currently underway.