KURNOOL: Bus operator flouted multiple rules, say officials
KURNOOL: A preliminary probe by the Kurnool Transport Department has found that Vemuri Kaveri Travels violated several safety and operational norms in connection with the recent bus accident near Kurnool. Officials said the firm had purchased a seating coach and illegally converted it into a sleeper bus without mandatory clearance.
Since the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana transport authorities did not approve the modification, the company allegedly obtained permission from the Raigad Transport Department in Odisha. Kurnool officials have now written to their Odisha counterparts seeking details of the certification process, but no reply has been received yet.
Cargo, gas cylinder found in passenger bus
Investigators said the luggage compartment, meant only for passengers’ baggage, was used to transport private goods and parcels without licence. The company even issued invoices for such consignments despite lacking a cargo permit.
Officials recovered 234 mobile phones being transported in violation of safety norms, as well as a small LPG cylinder that reportedly leaked on the day of the accident, triggering the blaze.
The bus lacked hammers for emergency exits, had no fire extinguishers, and was fitted with high-voltage headlights. Earlier, both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana transport authorities had fined the operator for similar violations, but the firm failed to rectify the defects.
Survivors told police that the driver was speeding and driving recklessly. They also said emergency doors could not be opened during the fire.
DNA tests completed in 13 hours
In Amaravati, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta on Friday commended Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory Director Palaraju and his team for completing DNA profiling of the victims within 13 hours.
He said the quick turnaround enabled the authorities to hand over the bodies to families without delay. Gupta presented commendation certificates to members of 16 forensic teams that collected biological and chemical samples and helped reconstruct the accident scene.
