What Happened in the Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire Tragedy?
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Synopsis
A devastating bus fire in Andhra Pradesh claimed 19 lives, with 18 bodies returned to families after DNA tests. A deeper look reveals the tragic circumstances leading to this horrific accident and the subsequent investigation. This incident serves as a reminder of the unforeseen dangers on the road.
Key Takeaways
- 18 victims' remains identified through DNA tests.
- Bus fire incident occurred near Kurnool.
- The bus was transporting passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.
- Investigation revealed negligence and potential alcohol involvement.
- Authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR).
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 26 (NationPress) The charred remains of 18 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a bus fire incident near Kurnool have been returned to their families following DNA testing, as reported by officials on Sunday.
After conducting DNA tests over the past two days, authorities at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kurnool handed the remains back to the families, also providing death certificates.
Kurnool District Collector A. Siri oversaw the procedure of returning the remains along with the associated death certificates. The authorities arranged for ambulances to transport the bodies to their respective hometowns.
The remains of six victims were sent to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while two each were dispatched to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one each to Odisha and Bihar.
Additionally, the body of an unidentified passenger has been preserved at the GGH in Kurnool.
A resident of Chittoor district has approached the police, claiming that his father may be among the victims of this tragic bus incident.
Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil mentioned that a DNA test would be conducted to confirm the identity of the unidentified body.
The private bus, which was transporting 46 individuals, including two drivers, was en route to Bengaluru from Hyderabad when it was involved in a horrific accident near Chinnatekur village on the outskirts of Kurnool, occurring between 3 - 3:15 a.m. on Sunday.
Out of the passengers, 19, including two children, were charred to death, while 27 passengers, along with both drivers, managed to escape by breaking glass windows.
Police investigations revealed that the bus ran over a motorcycle left on the road after the rider crashed into a road divider. The bus dragged the motorcycle for approximately 200 meters, and the resulting friction combined with fuel leakage ignited a massive fire that quickly engulfed the entire bus.
Authorities concluded that motorcycle rider B. Shiva Shankar (22) perished after colliding with the divider, while his friend Erriswamy alias Nani, who was riding pillion, escaped with minor injuries and fled the scene in fear after witnessing the bus engulfed in flames.
After confirming the presence of a second individual and identifying him through CCTV footage recorded at a petrol station shortly before the incident, police apprehended Erriswamy from his hometown of Tuggali.
Shiva Shankar, who was operating the motorcycle, died instantly following the accident when the two-wheeler skidded and struck the divider.
Erriswamy informed the police that after the bike skidded and hit the divider, Shiva Shankar died immediately. He moved Shiva Kumar to the roadside and was attempting to clear the bike from the road when the speeding bus struck it and dragged it for a distance. As flames engulfed the bus, he panicked and fled.
According to the police, Shiva Kumar was under the influence of alcohol, which likely contributed to the motorcycle accident, subsequently leading to the deaths of 19 bus passengers.
Meanwhile, the police filed a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint from one of the bus passengers.
Both bus driver Miriyala Lakshmaiah and the owner of V Kaveri Travels, Vemuri Vinod Kumar, have been charged under pertinent legal sections.
Point of View
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of road safety and the potential consequences of negligence. As we mourn the loss of lives, we must emphasize the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations and the responsibility of all road users to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many victims were identified after the bus fire?
The remains of 18 victims were identified and handed over to their families after DNA testing.
What caused the bus fire in Andhra Pradesh?
The bus fire was ignited after the vehicle ran over a motorcycle, leading to fuel leakage and a subsequent fire.
What steps did authorities take after the tragedy?
Authorities conducted DNA tests for identification and arranged for the transportation of the bodies to their hometowns.
Who has been charged in connection with the incident?
Bus driver Miriyala Lakshmaiah and V Kaveri Travels owner Vemuri Vinod Kumar have been charged under relevant sections.
What was the condition of the survivors?
While 27 passengers, including the drivers, escaped the fire, they experienced traumatic circumstances during the incident.
