Sat Oct 25 08:23:28 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
A private sleeper bus operated by V. Kaveri Travels, en route from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, caught fire in the early hours of October 24, 2025, near Chinnatekur, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least 19 fatalities. Initial reports suggested the bus ran over a motorcycle, causing the fire. However, further investigation revealed that the motorcycle had already skidded, killing its rider, Shivshankar, before the bus arrived. The pillion rider, Nani, survived and witnessed the bus running over the bike and catching fire. He initially left the scene but later confessed his story to the police, confirming the sequence of events.
News Article:
19 Dead in Kurnool Bus Fire; Investigation Reveals Motorcycle Accident Preceded Tragedy
KURNOOL, October 25, 2025 – At least 19 passengers were killed early Friday morning when a private sleeper bus caught fire on National Highway-44 near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The bus, operated by V. Kaveri Travels, was traveling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru.
Initial reports focused on the possibility that the bus struck a motorcycle, causing the fire. However, police investigations have now revealed a more complex sequence of events.
According to forensic experts, the motorcycle carrying two men, Shivshankar and Nani (also known as Eriswamy), skidded off the road approximately 200 meters from the accident site. Shivshankar, the rider, died instantly from head injuries sustained in the fall. Nani, the pillion rider, survived with minor injuries.
“The investigation indicates that the motorcycle was already lying on the road after the initial accident,” said an officer involved in the investigation, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Nani admitted to police that he had been with Shivshankar and witnessed the initial accident. He stated that a speeding bus then ran over the motorcycle, dragging it for roughly 200 meters before catching fire. He reported hearing the screams of passengers and witnessing the fire from a distance. Nani left the scene and was later located by police in Tuggali.
Police grew suspicious after learning Nani had been visiting Shivshankar the evening prior. Questioned, Nani revealed the events leading up to the bus fire.
“Minutes later, the V. Kaveri bus ran over the bike, dragging it for nearly 200 metres,” according to the officer.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. This tragedy has raised concerns about road safety and the adherence to traffic regulations on National Highway-44. The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, and authorities are working to identify all victims and notify their families.
First Piper 