Sun Oct 26 11:36:55 UTC 2025: ## 20 Killed in Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire: Negligence and Flouted Rules Blamed

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – A devastating bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, has claimed the lives of 20 people, exposing a chain of negligence and blatant disregard for road safety regulations. The tragedy unfolded after a double-decker bus ran over a motorcycle that had crashed earlier, triggering a blaze that quickly engulfed the vehicle.

Police investigations have revealed a shocking web of contributing factors:

  • Fake Licence: The bus driver, Miriyala Lakshmaiah, who has been arrested, possessed a heavy vehicle driving licence obtained using a forged Class 10 certificate. Licensing rules require drivers of transport vehicles to have completed at least Class 8.
  • Drunk Driving: The motorcyclist, Shiva Shankar, who died in the initial crash, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol along with his pillion rider, Erri Swami, who suffered injuries. Police confirmed they were drunk through forensic testing.
  • Negligence: Despite two other buses managing to avoid the crashed motorcycle, Lakshmaiah failed to spot the obstruction on the road, leading to the catastrophic collision.
  • Safety Violations: The travel company that owns the bus is under scrutiny for illegally converting the vehicle into a sleeper coach and employing suspicious re-registration tactics to avoid safety checks. Survivors also reported the absence of emergency tools like window-breaking hammers.

“Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads”, said Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar.

The incident highlights the alarming prevalence of flouted road safety processes in India, where obtaining licences without proper testing is commonplace, and drunk driving remains a significant contributor to accidents and fatalities. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 2,690 road accidents occurred due to drunk driving in 2023, resulting in 1,442 deaths.

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into all aspects of the tragedy, with a focus on holding those responsible accountable for their negligence and ensuring stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent future incidents.

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