Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 25 (NationPress) The inquiry into the horrific bus fire incident that resulted in 19 fatalities has taken a significant turn as authorities have detained a young man who was a pillion rider on the motorcycle believed to have sparked the fire after a collision with the bus.

B. Shiva Shankar (22), the motorcyclist, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his friend Erriswamy, who was riding pillion, escaped with minor injuries but reportedly fled the scene after the bus was engulfed in flames.

The police are currently interrogating Erriswamy to piece together the events leading up to the fire. They are investigating whether the motorcycle had already been involved in a crash before the bus collided with it, as claimed by the bus driver, or if the bus struck the motorcycle from behind.

Authorities are eager to clarify the circumstances that led to the bus being consumed by fire.

The bus, owned by a private travel company, was transporting 44 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru when the tragedy unfolded near Chinnatekur village on the outskirts of Kurnool between 3:00 and 3:15 a.m.

In the incident, 19 passengers, including two children, lost their lives in the blaze, while 27 others, along with the drivers, managed to escape by smashing windows.

Initial investigations indicate that the motorcycle became lodged under the bus, causing friction and fuel leakage that ignited a significant fire.

As part of the investigation, police have examined CCTV footage from the area along National Highway-44, which captured the motorcycle at a petrol station shortly before the incident.

The footage shows Shiva Shankar riding the motorcycle recklessly, leading police to suspect he may have been under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Erriswamy, the pillion rider, has been identified as his friend.

The police apprehended Erriswamy at his residence in Rampalli village, located in Tuggali mandal of the same district.

The pair had departed Kurnool for Dhone in Nandyal district early Friday morning for personal matters. Following the tragic accident that resulted in Shiva Shankar's death, Erriswamy fled the scene.

Video evidence shows the motorcyclists arriving at a petrol station at 2:22 a.m. The petrol pump manager noted that the motorcycle was a Pulsar model with a non-functional headlight and only the left indicator was in use.

The pump manager described the rider as appearing intoxicated, riding in a manner reminiscent of a stunt performer. As there was no attendant at one of the dispensing units, the pillion rider left to locate someone to assist with refueling. The motorcyclist also dismounted and wandered around the pump.

The pump manager stated that only one of the three dispensing units was operational at that hour. When the two riders approached the attendant at another unit, they were asked to bring their vehicle. Observing Shiva Shankar's erratic riding, the attendant expressed concern that he might lose control. Eventually, they managed to refuel the motorcycle.

Since the motorcyclist paid in cash, there is no record of the amount of fuel dispensed.

Shiva Shankar's body was discovered approximately 200 meters from where the bus ignited. Reports indicate the bus dragged the motorcycle for 200 meters before coming to a stop.

Authorities have also secured CCTV footage of the bus passing the petrol station, which will assist investigators in determining the bus's speed at the time.

Both bus drivers, Laxmaiah and Siva Narayana, are currently in police custody.