Kaveri bus driver arrested for fatal accident
KURNOOL: Police have arrested Miriyala Lakshmaiah, driver of a Vemuri Kaveri Travels bus, in connection with the October 24 road accident near Chethlamallapuram on the outskirts of Kurnool, which claimed 19 lives.
Complaint filed by survivor from Nellore
According to Ulindakonda police, a case was registered the same day based on a complaint filed by N. Ramesh of Nellore district, who survived the crash. The bus owner has also been named an accused in the case.
Driver says dark-coloured bike unseen before collision
Preliminary investigation found that Lakshmaiah’s negligence contributed to the accident. He told police that he failed to spot a black Pulsar motorbike lying on the road. Before the Kaveri bus collided with it, 19 other vehicles had safely passed by. The bus hit the bike at high speed, dragging it for several metres, causing sparks that ignited petrol leaking from the tank.
Flames quickly spread, leading to the death of 19 passengers trapped inside.
DSP Venkataramaiah of Pattikonda subdivision is leading the investigation. Police have questioned 35 drivers and passengers who travelled that route about ten minutes before the accident.
