Case booked against drivers in Kurnool bus fire that killed 20

A case of negligence and overspeeding has been registered against two bus drivers in connection with the horrific bus fire that claimed 20 lives in Kurnool district, police said on Saturday.

According to officials, the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday when a Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler. The blaze was triggered when the motorcycle reportedly with its fuel cap open got trapped under the bus, leading to a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle.

Ulindakonda police registered the case based on a complaint filed by survivor N. Ramesh, who accused the drivers of reckless driving. “A case has been booked under Sections 125(a) (endangering human life) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” confirmed Kurnool SP Vikrant Patel.

The ill-fated bus, operated by V Kaveri Travels, was carrying 44 passengers from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. Ramesh, who boarded the bus near LB Stadium in Hyderabad, said he woke up to a loud sound and saw flames in the front portion of the vehicle shortly after crossing Kurnool.

He managed to break the rear glass and escape with his wife and children, sustaining injuries, while several others, including his family friend, were trapped inside. Most of the victims were charred beyond recognition, police said.

Eyewitnesses reported that the bus dragged the motorcycle nearly 200 metres before it caught fire. Among the 20 dead were two children and the biker, while nine passengers sustained injuries. Authorities have initiated a detailed investigation into the cause of the mishap and are working to identify the deceased.