A freak fire incident on Tuesday near Balapalli checkpost along the Kadapa-Tirupati highway on NH-716 close to Railway Kodur resulted in three vehicles being completely gutted. The incident began around 8:30 am when a truck traveling from Kadapa towards Tirupati experienced a breakdown. The driver parked the vehicle on the roadside and went in search of a mechanic.
Morning Collision
Shortly after the truck was parked, a speeding SUV heading from Kadapa to Tirupati rammed into the stationary truck from behind at high speed. Four occupants in the SUV sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the government hospital at Railway Kodur for medical treatment.
Afternoon Fire
Later, at approximately 11:30 am, another car traveling from Kadapa to Tirupati stopped at the same location when the driver noticed smoke emanating from the engine. The car suddenly caught fire, and the flames quickly spread to the SUV and the truck that had been involved in the earlier collision. The exact sequence of events remains under investigation.
Passersby on the highway noticed the three vehicles engulfed in flames and alerted local police. Authorities arrived promptly along with fire tenders and managed to contain the fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident.
Authorities Investigate
Local police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire. The area experienced significant traffic disruption as emergency services worked to clear the scene. The highway was temporarily closed to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting operations.
This incident highlights the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety. Drivers are advised to regularly check their vehicles and exercise caution on highways.
