Hyderabad: A lorry carrying firecrackers caught fire on Saturday near Manikyammaguda under the limits of Kothuru police station in Rangareddy district. However, no injuries or casualties were reported as the drivers managed to escape in time. Police said that firecrackers were being transported in the lorry from Sivakasi, a major hub for fireworks manufacturing, to destinations including Maheshwaram and Nizamabad when the fire broke out.The drivers, identified as Ayyappan and Sattivel, noticed the flames and quickly jumped out of the vehicle, preventing any loss of life. Officials from Kothuru police station rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident. A fire engine was immediately pressed into service, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. According to fire officials, the call was received at 12.45 pm, and the fire was brought under control after about one and a half hours.“Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was of electrical origin after the vehicle came into contact with an overhead high-tension wire. The damage assessment is still under process as the lorry owner is in Tamil Nadu and the staff are from different places,” said Nagarjuna, station fire officer, Maheshwaram.He added that electricity supply in the area was temporarily stopped after coordinating with power department authorities as overhead wires were present near the accident spot, helping to prevent a major mishap. Due to the intensity of the fire, the lorry and dry grass along the roadside were completely burnt. Authorities later used JCB machines and cranes to remove the damaged vehicle from the road and clear the area. Police said traffic movement was restored smoothly after the debris was cleared, and further inquiry into the incident is underway.
