The tragic fire that engulfed a sleeper bus on its way from Hyderabad to Bengaluru near Chinnatekur village in Kurnool district claimed nearly 20 lives and has now been subject to a detailed investigation. Authorities have released crucial findings explaining how a series of avoidable factors led to the deadly blaze.
Key Findings
Collision with a Motorcycle
The bus collided with a two wheeler driven by Shiva Shankar, which was found lying partly under the bus. According to the local police, the bike’s fuel tank was damaged and began to leak, triggering the fire that quickly spread across the bus.
Fire Spread Factors
- Two large bus batteries located near the rear of the vehicle reportedly exploded during the fire, intensifying the flames.
- The bus interior was fitted with highly combustible materials and emergency exits were either blocked or jammed contributing to the high number of casualties.
- Investigators discovered that the bus was illegally carrying a consignment of around 234 smartphones valued at nearly ₹46 lakh. The lithium-ion batteries in these phones may have exploded due to intense heat, worsening the situation.
Driver & Vehicle History
The bus driver, Miriyala Lakshmaiah, fled the scene but was later arrested. A case has been registered under sections of negligence and endangering human life. Records revealed that the bus had multiple pending challans for overspeeding and dangerous driving, highlighting previous violations.
Registration & Enforcement Gaps
The bus was registered in Odisha and had an all India permit. Officials noted that cross state regulations often make it difficult to monitor maintenance and safety compliance of private travel buses operating across different regions.
Still Under Review
While the primary findings point to a combination of negligence, mechanical vulnerability, and regulatory lapses, forensic teams continue to analyse electrical systems, driver rest logs and the exact chain of events that caused the explosion. A complete investigation report is expected soon.
Why This Matters
This tragedy highlights multiple systemic failures from inadequate bus safety standards and illegal cargo carriage to insufficient vehicle checks and poor enforcement of traffic norms.
Experts are urging the Transport Department to implement stricter safety inspections, regulate long distance private bus permits, and impose severe penalties for any illegal modifications to vehicles.
