What caused the Kurnool bus fire that killed 20 people?

The Kurnool bus fire was triggered by a reckless motorcycle crash involving a biker named Shivashankar, who was riding under the influence of alcohol.

Who was held responsible for the Kurnool bus tragedy?

Police have registered a case against the deceased biker, Shivashankar, for negligent and reckless driving that led to the fatal bus fire.

How did the Kurnool bus fire start?

The bus fire started after Shivashankar's motorcycle collided with a road divider and was then struck by another vehicle, pushing it into the middle of the road. Moments later, the private travel bus ran over the motorcycle, resulting in a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the bus.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Biker's Reckless Crash Triggers Deadly Bus Fire, Killing 20

Biker's Reckless Crash Triggers Deadly Bus Fire, Killing 20

26 Oct

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Summary

Police file case against deceased biker for reckless driving
CCTV footage shows biker allegedly riding under influence
Explosion of bus batteries and smartphones intensified blaze

Biker's Reckless Crash Triggers Deadly Bus Fire, Killing 20

On October 24, 2025, a devastating bus fire in Kurnool, India claimed the lives of 20 people. According to the police investigation, the tragedy was triggered by a reckless motorcycle crash involving the deceased biker, Shivashankar.

The incident occurred when Shivashankar, who was riding under the influence of alcohol, lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a road divider. His pillion rider, Erriswami, sustained injuries in the crash. Moments later, another vehicle struck the fallen motorcycle, pushing it into the middle of the road. Tragically, a private travel bus then ran over the motorcycle, resulting in a massive explosion and fire that engulfed the bus.

CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump captured Shivashankar's erratic behavior just before the fatal collision. The video shows him parking his motorcycle, then returning and riding away unsteadily, indicating he was intoxicated.

The police have registered a case against the deceased Shivashankar under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for negligent and reckless driving. Preliminary reports suggest the explosion of the bus's 12 KV batteries, combined with a large consignment of smartphones on board, intensified the spread of the blaze, leading to the devastating tragedy.

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