A private bus heading from Nellore to Hyderabad crashed head-on-into a container truck early Thursday in Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal district, killing three people and injuring more than a dozen others.
VIDEO | Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh: Two dead, 14 injured in bus-lorry collision; injured shifted to hospital.#AndhraNews #AndhraPradesh
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/AHXX8G8q3p
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2026
The collision triggered a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles, leaving victims trapped inside. Emergency crews and residents worked together to rescue passengers and control the blaze. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly crash.
What Happened in the Nandyal Collision?
The tragedy unfolded around 2 am near Shirivellametta village in Shirivella mandal when a tyre on the ARBCVR Private Travels bus reportedly burst. The driver lost control, crossed the road divider, and slammed into a container lorry coming from the opposite direction.
The impact was so powerful that both vehicles were engulfed in flames, leaving little time for passengers and crew to escape. Fire and rescue teams rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control.
Nandyal Collision: Victims & Casualties
Police confirmed that three people, the bus driver, the lorry driver, and the lorry cleaner, were charred to death beyond recognition in the blaze. Several passengers suffered serious burn injuries, while others were hurt as they tried to flee the fire.
In total, the bus was carrying 36 passengers when the accident occurred. Many who survived escaped through windows and doors with help from bystanders and rescue workers.
Nandyal Collision: Heroic Rescue Efforts
A passing DCM truck driver noticed the fire and immediately stopped to help. He reportedly broke the bus windows, allowing trapped passengers to escape before the flames spread further. Police officials praised his quick thinking, saying his actions likely prevented a higher death toll.
More than ten passengers were injured while jumping from the bus or while fleeing the intense heat. These injured were taken to Nandyal Government General Hospital for treatment, where doctors said their conditions were stable.
Nandyal Collision: Emergency Response & Traffic Disruption
Firefighters and police arrived at the scene shortly after the crash. They worked to extinguish the blaze and remove the burnt vehicles from the highway. The accident caused traffic congestion on the national highway for several hours before normal flow was restored.
Investigators have registered a case and are collecting statements from survivors to piece together how the crash happened. Authorities are examining the role of the tyre burst and whether other mechanical or human factors contributed.
Nandyal Collision: Passenger Safety Concerns Raised
This accident has renewed debates on passenger safety and vehicle maintenance standards for private travel operators in India. Experts say tyre inspections and emergency escape routes on buses are critical to reduce fatalities in similar high-impact collisions.
Similar bus fire tragedies in the state in recent years have highlighted these ongoing safety challenges. Residents and leaders are offering support to the victims’ families. Officials have urged drivers and transport companies to adopt stricter safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
