Forensic Evidence Confirms Drunk Bikers Involved in Deadly Andhra Pradesh Bus Fire Accident

Police confirmed that the bikers linked to the Bengaluru-bound bus fire accident, which killed 19 passengers, were drunk.

Kurnool:

Andhra Pradesh police on Sunday verified that the two motorcycle riders connected to the Bengaluru-bound bus fire accident, which resulted in 19 passenger fatalities, were intoxicated.

During the early morning hours of October 24, the sleeper bus ran over a motorcycle that had already crashed at Chinna Tekuru village in Kurnool district.

The bus was carrying 44 passengers, many of whom managed to escape.

The motorcycle was dragged underneath the bus, causing its fuel tank to burst and ignite a fire.

READ: Viral Video Shows Biker Riding Recklessly Moments Before Andhra Bus Tragedy

"We have just received forensic confirmation that the two motorcycle riders (Siva Shankar and Erri Swamy) were intoxicated," Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Koya Praveen informed PTI.

Although police suspected the duo was inebriated, they awaited forensic evidence before confirming this fact.

The DIG stated on Saturday night that the pair had eaten at a dhaba and Swamy had admitted to drinking alcohol.

According to police reports, Shankar and Swamy departed from Lakshmipuram village around 2 am on October 24 to transport Swamy to Tuggali village in Kurnool district.

During their journey, they stopped at an HP petrol station near a Kia car showroom to refuel at 2:24 am, according to Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil.

A video of their stop at the petrol station went viral, showing Shankar operating the motorcycle recklessly.

Shortly after continuing their journey, the motorcycle skidded, causing Shankar to fall to his right and strike the divider. He died instantly.

In recent days, the southern state had experienced widespread rainfall, resulting in wet and muddy roads during inclement weather.

READ: Telangana Minister Blames Driver, Travel Company For Kurnool Bus Fire

When Swamy pulled Shankar from the middle of the road and checked on him, he discovered Shankar had died at the scene, Patil reported.

"While he was considering moving the motorcycle off the road, the bus suddenly arrived and ran over it, dragging it forward some distance," said Patil.

Following the consecutive accidents and the bus erupting into flames, Swamy became frightened and fled to his native village of Tuggali.

Later, police apprehended Swamy and interrogated him to uncover crucial details about the tragic accident.