Death came without warning. Around 3 am, a Bengaluru-bound private bus burst into flames after colliding with a motorcycle, killing 19 people. Most of the passengers were asleep and died before they even realised what was happening.

The fire consumed the entire vehicle, leaving behind nothing but a charred metal shell. Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition. Those jolted awake managed to escape through the emergency exit, some with broken limbs and others with minor injuries — but they were the lucky ones, carrying with them stories that will never be forgotten.

“I saw the fire engulf the bus—it spread within seconds,” said S Harika from Nellore, describing the scene she woke up to.

Harika was one of the few who were jolted awake as the flames engulfed the bus.

“The rear do

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