Andhra Bus Fire: Phones, Elbows, Laptops Were Tools of Survival

A festive weekend's end turned into a harrowing ordeal for passengers aboard a private bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. The vehicle was consumed by flames, transforming a peaceful journey into a desperate fight for survival. Passengers awoke to a nightmare, using phones, laptops, and even their own bodies to escape the inferno.

Nelakurthi Ramesh, 36, was traveling with his wife, Sri Lakshmi, and their two children after a weekend visit with relatives. He recounted the terrifying moments: "When I woke up, all I could see was flames – bright yellow and orange. I could barely breathe. My first thought was my wife and children; I knew I had to get them out safely". Driven by adrenaline and a primal instinct to protect his family, Ramesh smashed a rear window with his bare fists, pushing his family to safety. Others followed, and the family ran as far as they could. Ramesh later woke up in a hospital, the events a blur of fire and fear.

Ghantasala Subramanyam, 26, was jolted awake by a fellow passenger. "Amid the sizzling sound and sight of leaping flames, it took me a moment to process what was happening," Subramanyam said. He grabbed his bag and attempted to exit through the main door, but it was jammed. He witnessed someone using a laptop to break a window and, without hesitation, jumped out with about ten other passengers. A stranger driving along the same route offered Subramanyam and three others a ride to the nearest hospital, a testament to the kindness that can emerge even in the face of tragedy.

Jayanth Kushwal, 27, recalled the sheer panic as people scrambled to escape. "All I remember is people frantically trying to escape," he said. Some managed to smash the rear windows, creating an escape route from the burning vehicle. The sounds of shattering glass and the intense heat of the flames are seared into the memories of those who survived.

The incident has brought renewed focus to bus safety standards. Authorities are now emphasizing stricter regulations for bus body construction, including mandatory fire alarms and emergency exits. This is comes after two bus fires in a month.