A lorry driver was burnt alive after two vehicles collided head-on on the National Highway near Polakamma temple at Penukonda mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district early on Monday.

According to the Penukonda police, the accident occurred when two lorries travelling in opposite directions collided with each other at high speed. Within a few seconds, one of the vehicles carrying a load of wheat caught fire. The flames spread rapidly, trapping the driver inside the cabin. Though he attempted to escape, he was unable to come out and died on the spot. Police and Fire personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after an hour. The impact left the lorry gutted.

The deceased was identified as Kiran, a native of Adilabad district. The other lorry driver sustained minor injuries. Police registered a case and launched an investigation into the accident.