Andhra Bus Inferno: Drunk Riding Claims 19 Lives

Public Safety Alerts

Posted by AI on 2025-10-26 17:48:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-03-27 14:55:59

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A routine refuel stop at 2:24 a.m. on October 24th set in motion a tragic chain of events that culminated in a fiery bus crash, claiming the lives of 19 passengers and raising urgent questions about road safety. The incident, which occurred near Chinna Tekur village in Andhra Pradesh, began with a skid involving a bike ridden by Siva Shankar and Erri Swamy, both under the influence of alcohol. This skid, now confirmed by forensic evidence, set the stage for a catastrophic collision.

As the Bengaluru-bound V. Kaveri Travels sleeper bus, carrying 44 passengers, approached at a speed of 80-90 kmph, it struck the fallen bike, igniting a blaze fueled by over 100 mobile phones in the luggage. The impact was devastating. Siva Shankar died instantly from the initial skid, while the bus passengers were trapped in a raging inferno, resulting in 19 fatalities. Twelve survivors, including the drivers, managed to escape but required medical attention.

The aftermath of this tragedy has sparked a range of responses. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and PM Modi have announced ex-gratia payments of 5 lakh and 2 lakh rupees, respectively, for the deceased's families and the injured. However, the focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation, which aims to piece together the exact sequence of events and determine the drivers' culpability. Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General Koya Praveen's statement confirms the duo's intoxication, adding a critical dimension to the probe.

As the investigation unfolds, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior on the roads. The public and authorities alike await the findings, which will shape the narrative around road safety and potentially influence stricter enforcement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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