Andhra Pradesh: Fatal Highway Collisions and Vehicle Fires Reported Across and Telangana
Andhra Pradesh: A series of road accidents across parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Telangana on Thursday resulted in one fatality, several injuries, and significant vehicle damage, according to police and emergency officials. The incidents, which occurred at different locations within a short span of time, prompted renewed calls from authorities for cautious driving, particularly on highways and service roads.
Deadly Collision on National Highway 216
One of the most serious incidents was reported from Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh, where a man was killed and two others were injured following a collision between two container trucks. The accident took place in the early morning hours on National Highway 216 near Kathipudi, a busy junction known for frequent heavy vehicle movement.
Police said one container transporting aqua feed was travelling from Bheemavaram to Mulapeta and was negotiating a turn at the Kathipudi Junction when it was struck by another container carrying cotton bundles. The second vehicle was en route from Kolkata to Chennai. The impact of the collision was severe and immediately triggered a fire, which quickly spread to both trucks.
Fire Engulfs Vehicles, One Driver Killed
The blaze proved fatal for the driver of the cotton-laden container, identified as Kamal Sheikh, aged 43. He was unable to escape the vehicle and was charred to death. Two other individuals sustained injuries in the incident, though their identities were not immediately disclosed by officials.
Passersby alerted the authorities, following which police personnel and fire service teams rushed to the scene. Firefighters worked to control and extinguish the flames, preventing the fire from spreading further along the highway. Traffic on the stretch was temporarily disrupted during the rescue and clearance operations.
Police Investigation Underway
Circle Inspector of Prathipadu, Surya Appa Rao, confirmed that a case has been registered and an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary information suggests that visibility and vehicle speed may have played a role, though officials said conclusions would be drawn only after a detailed inquiry. The deceased driver was identified as a resident of Kolkata.
Separate Accident Claims Young Life in Kakinada District
In another incident reported from the same district, a young girl lost her life when a truck rammed into an auto-rickshaw at Rayudupalem, near Kakinada town. The collision resulted in injuries to eight other passengers travelling in the auto.
Emergency responders transported the injured to the Government General Hospital in Kakinada, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Hospital officials said some of the injured were in stable condition, while others were kept under observation.
RTC Bus Skids in Telangana, No Injuries Reported
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Telangana’s Nalgonda district, a bus operated by the Road Transport Corporation met with an accident near Yerrasanigudem in Kattanguru mandal. Police said the bus driver lost control while attempting to avoid a stationary truck on the road, causing the bus to hit the central divider.
Despite the impact, no passengers were injured in the incident. The bus sustained minor damage, and authorities later cleared the vehicle from the roadway to restore normal traffic flow.
Car Fire on Hyderabad Outskirts
A separate incident was reported on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Wednesday night, where a car caught fire on the Narsingi service road in Rangareddy district. According to officials, the vehicle, driven by a man identified as Ashwin, suddenly stalled near the Narsingi Rotary.
While inspecting the vehicle, the driver noticed flames emerging and managed to exit safely. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire car. Fire department personnel responded promptly and extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported, though the car was completely gutted.