What Led to the Andhra Bus Tragedy? Police Insights Revealed
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Synopsis
The recent bus fire tragedy in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, left 19 dead and raised critical questions about road safety and negligence. Police investigations into the incident reveal shocking details about the motorcycle accident that preceded the disaster, and the implications for all involved.
Key Takeaways
- 19 passengers lost their lives in a horrific bus fire.
- The motorcycle accident occurred just before the bus arrived.
- Erriswamy, the pillion rider, fled the scene.
- CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying key details.
- The investigation is ongoing to determine speed and negligence.
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 25 (NationPress) The motorcycle, which was the catalyst for the tragic bus fire that resulted in the deaths of 19 passengers, was found abandoned on the road after the rider and the pillion-rider had been involved in an accident prior to the bus arriving at the scene, according to police reports on Saturday.
The police investigation revealed details after questioning Erriswamy, also known as Nani, the pillion rider who had fled the accident site with minor injuries.
Shiva Shankar, the motorcycle operator, tragically lost his life at the scene after the two-wheeler lost traction and collided with the road divider.
Kurnool district Superintendent of Police, Vikrant Patil, stated that Erriswamy mentioned to authorities that he attempted to pull Shiva Shankar to safety and was preparing to remove the motorcycle from the roadway when the speeding bus struck it, dragging it for a distance.
As flames engulfed the bus, he panicked and fled back to his village, Tuggali.
The police were able to identify Erriswamy by reviewing CCTV footage from a nearby petrol station, where the two had refueled their motorcycle at approximately 2:24 a.m. The footage suggested that Shiva Shankar may have been under the influence of alcohol, and there were moments when it appeared the motorcycle was about to skid.
The friends had departed from Lakshmipuram village around 2 a.m. on a Pulsar motorcycle heading to Dhone town in Nandyal district. After refueling, they reached Chinnatekur on Kurnool's outskirts when Shiva Shankar lost control and collided with the divider. He died instantly, while Erriswamy escaped with minor injuries.
The private bus was carrying 44 passengers and was en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the horrific incident occurred near Chinnatekur village between 3:00 and 3:15 a.m.
While 19 passengers, including two children, were tragically killed in the fire, 27 others, including both drivers, managed to escape by breaking the windows.
Initial investigations indicate that the motorcycle became lodged under the bus, causing friction and fuel leakage, which ignited a massive fire.
However, the precise cause of the accident remains unclear. Shiva Shankar's body was discovered approximately 200 meters away from the location where the bus ignited. It is still undetermined if the bus collided with the motorcycle or if the motorcycle struck the bus.
The police have taken both bus drivers into custody. The driver in control of the vehicle claimed that the motorcycle was in the roadway when the bus struck it and dragged it some distance.
Erriswamy’s account corroborates the bus driver's story. The driver reportedly did not see the motorcycle due to the darkness.
Currently, the bus driver faces charges of negligent driving, leading to this devastating tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate whether the bus was traveling at an excessive speed.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to approach incidents like the Kurnool bus tragedy with a commitment to thorough investigation and accountability. It is essential that we hold responsible parties accountable while also advocating for enhanced safety measures on our roads to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the bus fire in Kurnool?
The bus fire was triggered by a motorcycle accident that occurred just before the bus passed the scene, resulting in a collision that ignited a massive fire.
How many people were killed in the bus fire?
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 19 passengers, including two children.
What is the status of the investigation?
The police are investigating the actions of the bus driver and the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the speed of the bus at the time of the collision.
Were there any survivors from the bus?
Yes, 27 passengers, including both drivers, managed to escape by breaking the glass windows.
What safety measures are being considered after this tragedy?
Authorities are reviewing road safety protocols and the conditions leading to the accident to implement necessary changes and prevent future incidents.
