Four Killed After Two Lorries Catch Fire in Palnadu Road Accident
Four people were killed after two lorries collided and caught fire near Boyapalem in Yadlapadu mandal of Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district on Tuesday, triggering a major emergency response and disrupting traffic on a national highway.
According to police, the collision occurred near Boyapalem, where the two heavy vehicles crashed before flames rapidly engulfed both lorries. The intensity of the fire left four occupants trapped, and all of them died at the scene.
Motorists travelling on the same stretch of road alerted the police and fire services immediately after witnessing the accident. Emergency personnel rushed to the location and launched firefighting operations to extinguish the blaze.
The fire also caused significant traffic congestion on the national highway, with vehicles backed up as rescue and emergency operations continued. Police initiated measures to regulate traffic and restore the flow of vehicles while firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.
Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Preliminary findings indicate that driver fatigue or drowsiness may have contributed to the crash. Investigators suspect that one of the lorry drivers may have been driving while sleepy, although the exact cause will be determined as the inquiry progresses.
Authorities said the four victims include the drivers of the two lorries as well as their cleaners. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.
Officials are continuing to examine the scene and gather evidence to establish the sequence of events leading to the fatal collision.
The incident highlights the severe risks associated with heavy-vehicle accidents on busy highways, particularly when collisions result in fires that leave occupants with little chance of escape. Police are expected to continue their investigation before confirming the final cause of the accident.