Key Takeaways
- Motorcyclist B. Shiva Shankar was confirmed drunk at the time of the Kurnool bus tragedy
- The collision resulted in 19 passenger fatalities after the bus caught fire
- DNA identification completed for most victims, with remaining bodies to be handed over
In a tragic development from Andhra Pradesh, police have confirmed that the motorcyclist involved in the Kurnool bus accident that killed 19 passengers was driving under the influence of alcohol. The forensic report submitted on Sunday revealed alcohol traces in rider B. Shiva Shankar’s system.
Forensic Evidence Confirms Drunken Driving
Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil stated that the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL-Kurnool) report conclusively proved Shiva Shankar was drunk during the incident. “The viscera samples of the dead motorcyclist had alcohol traces,” Patil added, providing scientific backing to the investigation.
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
The private sleeper bus traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after hitting the motorcycle lying on the road in the early hours of Friday, October 24. Investigation reveals that Shiva Shankar first lost control of his two-wheeler, hitting the divider and falling. CCTV footage from a fuel station captured Shankar and his pillion rider refueling around 2:25 a.m., after which the rider drove rashly, nearly falling before regaining balance momentarily.
The pillion rider informed police that he attempted to remove the motorcycle from the road, but the approaching bus struck it and dragged the vehicle for several meters, triggering the fatal fire.
Victim Identification and Support
District administration has handed over 17 bodies to family members following DNA test reports from the Andhra Pradesh FSL. Under Collector A. Siri and SP Vikrant Patil’s supervision, the remains were transported to native places via ambulances.
One passenger initially unidentified due to lacking a pre-booked ticket was later confirmed as Trimurthy. DNA samples from his family were collected, with results expected Monday. The remaining two bodies will be handed over on October 27.
Collector Siri confirmed that the district administration provided accommodation, transport, and food facilities to family members who traveled from other states, offering crucial support during the tragic circumstances.
