In a devastating turn of events in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, 20 lives were lost when a private travel bus erupted in flames after running over a motorcycle.
The biker, Shivashankar, who died in the incident, has now been booked posthumously for reckless and negligent driving.
According to the FIR filed by pillion rider Erriswami, both men had consumed alcohol before the ride. Shivashankar allegedly lost control of the bike, which struck a road divider and fell onto the highway. A passing vehicle then pushed the fallen motorcycle into the path of the bus, causing a massive explosion.
CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump corroborates the claim, showing Shivashankar riding unsteadily moments before the crash. The Ulindakonda Police have invoked IPC Sections 281, 125(A), and 106(1) against the deceased.
Officials also revealed that the fire was intensified by two 12 KV batteries on the bus and possibly a large consignment of smartphones onboard, which accelerated the blaze.
