Kurnool Bus Tragedy: Viral Video Shows Reckless Biker Moments Before Crash

The tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool early Friday morning claimed 20 lives and left dozens injured. A newly surfaced video has brought a fresh perspective to the investigation, showing the motorcyclist's erratic behaviour shortly before the collision.

CCTV Footage Reveals Biker's Suspicious Actions

CCTV footage suggests 22-year-old B Shiva Shankar was riding recklessly just before he collided with a luxury private bus on NH-44. The private bus, operated by V Kaveri Travels, caught fire after the collision, dragging Shiva Shankar's motorcycle for nearly 200 meters. Preliminary reports indicate friction and fuel leakage from the bike ignited the massive fire.

The footage captured the biker arriving at a petrol pump at 2:23 am with a pillion rider. "There was no attendant there," sources said. The pillion rider walked out of the frame, likely searching for someone to refuel. Shiva Shankar also dismounted and circled the petrol pump.

Left frustrated, he even screamed at one point before turning his bike around on its side stand. He then rode away, struggling to maintain balance on the two-wheeler. Authorities say his erratic behaviour has raised suspicions of riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Crash Details and Casualties

Around 3-3:30 am, the collision occurred near Ullindakonda. The bus, travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 46 passengers on board, immediately caught fire. Nineteen passengers, many asleep, were trapped inside, while 27 others managed to break windows and escape.

Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao blamed the bus driver and travel agency for the accident. Both drivers, Laxmaiah and Siva Narayana, have been arrested and charged with negligent driving.

Investigation and Forensic Analysis Underway

The pillion rider is currently in police custody, and investigators are interrogating him to reconstruct the events leading to the crash. "The biker's viscera samples have been sent for forensic examination to confirm the presence of alcohol," officials said. Results could significantly alter the focus of the probe into driver negligence.

Investigators are considering two main scenarios for the collision, noting that heavy rain and darkness at the time may have contributed to the accident.