At least three dead after lorries collide and catch fire in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur
At least three people are feared dead after two lorries collided head-on and caught fire on a national highway in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, early Wednesday morning, according to preliminary police reports.
The accident occurred near Boyapalem village under Prathipadu police station limits. Guntur District Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal said that a lorry travelling from Chilakaluripet towards Guntur crossed the central divider for reasons yet unknown and collided with another lorry coming from the opposite direction towards Chilakaluripet. The impact triggered a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles within minutes.
One of the lorries was transporting stones, while the other was carrying a paper consignment, the SP added.
Rescue teams and police personnel arrived at the spot shortly after receiving information. However, due to the intensity of the fire, authorities are still recovering bodies from the burnt vehicles. “Initial reports suggest that three persons have died. However, we are still recovering the bodies and the exact number of fatalities will be confirmed only after the rescue operation is completed,” the SP said.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances that led the lorry to cross the divider. Fire and emergency services extinguished the blaze, and traffic on the highway was regulated during rescue and clearance operations. Further details are awaited as the recovery operation continues.
