Dhaka, Oct. 26 -- A consignment of 234 smartphones, valued at Tk 6.4 million, was being transported in the bus that caught fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on Friday morning, NDTV reports.

The Indian media cited forensic experts, suggesting the lithium-ion batteries contributed to the intensity of the blaze, which claimed 19 lives.

The devices, shipped by Hyderabad businessman Manganath, were bound for an e-commerce company in Bengaluru. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions as the smartphones ignited, amplifying the fire.

Andhra Pradesh Fire Services Director-General P Venkataraman said the initial blaze likely started at the front due to a fuel leakage.

A bike trapped beneath the bus spilt petrol. Combined with heat or a sp...