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A catastrophic bus fire in southern India, which claimed the lives of at least 20 people, was significantly worsened by the presence of hundreds of smartphones onboard, according to forensic officials. The incident occurred early Friday when a Bangalore-bound bus collided with a motorcycle, rupturing the bus’s fuel tank and triggering a massive explosion. Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 40 passengers struggled to escape as locals rushed to rescue survivors. Forensic experts revealed that the bus was transporting 234 mobile phones, whose lithium-ion batteries likely intensified the fire upon rupture. Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patel stated, ‘The bus batteries, flammable furnishings, and the cargo of cell phones aggravated the fire, leading to this tragic event.’ Additionally, P Venkataraman, the director-general of the Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Department, noted that the air conditioning system’s electrical batteries also exploded, further fueling the blaze. The smartphones, valued at 4.6 million Indian rupees (£39,361; $52,377), were en route from Hyderabad to an e-commerce company in Bengaluru. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, pose a significant fire risk when damaged due to thermal runaway, a phenomenon where uncontrollable temperature increases occur, making it difficult to extinguish with conventional methods. Authorities have launched an investigation into potential negligent driving, as the bus driver fled the scene, and the motorcyclist involved in the crash is among the deceased. Buses are a prevalent mode of transport in India, but safety regulations are often disregarded, and vehicles are frequently overcrowded. India recorded the highest road accident death toll globally last year.

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a revered figure who epitomized elegance and played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war revival, has passed away at the age of 93. The Thai Royal Household Bureau announced her death on Saturday, marking the end of an era for a woman who was not only a style icon but also a significant political and social influence. Sirikit had been hospitalized since 2019 due to multiple health issues and succumbed to a bloodstream infection on October 17, passing away late Friday night. A year-long mourning period has been declared for the royal family and household. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul canceled his attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to address the national loss, and the cabinet convened to discuss funeral arrangements. Born in 1932, Sirikit Kitiyakara led a life of privilege as the daughter of Thailand’s ambassador to France. She met her future husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, while studying in Paris, and their marriage in 1950 marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape Thailand’s monarchy for decades. Sirikit’s fashion sense and beauty captivated global audiences, particularly during her 1960 visit to the United States, where she was celebrated for her grace and style. Her collaboration with French designer Pierre Balmain helped revive Thailand’s silk industry, and her charitable work with King Bhumibol endeared her to the Thai people. Sirikit’s legacy extends beyond her glamour; she championed rural development and maternal virtue, with her birthday becoming Mother’s Day in Thailand. While the monarchy is officially apolitical, Sirikit occasionally intervened in political matters, notably supporting movements that opposed populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra. Her death leaves a profound void in a nation where she was revered as a symbol of maternal care and national unity. She is survived by her son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and three daughters.