The horrific bus fire near Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool on October 24 was caused by a drunk biker, Andhra Pradesh police have confirmed. The Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus collided with a two-wheeler that had already met with an accident moments earlier. The impact dragged the bike underneath the bus, causing its fuel tank to burst and ignite a massive fire that killed 19 passengers on the spot.

Kurnool Range DIG of Police Koya Praveen said forensic reports confirmed that both bikers, identified as Siva Shankar and Erri Swamy, were under the influence of alcohol. The duo had dinner at a roadside dhaba before setting out on their journey, and Swamy admitted to having consumed liquor. According to police, the two men left Lakshmipuram village around 2 a.m. to reach Tuggali and had stopped at a petrol bunk to refuel — CCTV footage of which later went viral online.

Moments after resuming their ride, the bike reportedly skidded due to the wet road, killing Shankar instantly. Swamy was checking on him when the Bengaluru-bound bus came speeding in, ran over the two-wheeler, and dragged it forward, triggering the fire. Out of 44 passengers onboard, several managed to escape, while others were trapped inside the burning bus. Police later traced and detained Swamy, whose statement helped piece together the full sequence of the tragic incident.