KURNOOL: CCTV shows biker drunk before Kurnool bus fire that killed 20
KURNOOL: New CCTV footage has revealed key details behind the fatal bus fire near Kurnool on October 25 that claimed 20 lives, including that of a biker.
The footage, recorded at a petrol bunk, shows Shiva Shankar, 24, from B. Thandrapadu village in Kurnool district, refuelling his motorcycle along with another youth shortly before the collision. Police said preliminary findings indicate he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The accident occurred around 2.30 a.m. on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru National Highway 44, near Chinna Tekuru village. A Kaveri Travels sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru rammed into the motorcycle. The impact dragged the bike several metres, causing sparks and a fuel leak that triggered a massive fire
According to police, 19 passengers and the biker were killed in the blaze. Nine others sustained burns—six are being treated at Kurnool Government General Hospital and three in a private facility.
FIR and investigation
An FIR has been filed against both the bus driver and the biker for negligence and speeding under Sections 125(a) and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sixteen teams, including forensic experts, have been appointed to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
Investigators found that the bus had unauthorised electrical modifications and flammable interiors, which intensified the blaze. The rear exit door was reportedly jammed, preventing several passengers from escaping.
Victims and compensation
The deceased included passengers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Bihar. The state government announced an ex gratia payment of ₹ 5 lakh each for the families of the dead and ₹ 2 lakh for the injured.
