Kurnool: An unverified CCTV video has emerged on social media, allegedly showing a motorcycle at a petrol pump moments before the tragic bus accident near Kurnool on October 24, which claimed the lives of 20 people, including the two-wheeler rider. The footage, timestamped 2:22 am, appears to show two men on a motorcycle, one of whom some social media users claim seemed to be under the influence of alcohol.
The deceased biker has been identified as Shivasankar, who, according to preliminary reports cited by media outlets, may have been intoxicated at the time of the incident. In the CCTV clip, one of the men is seen pushing the motorcycle before mounting it. The bike briefly loses balance due to sudden acceleration but stabilizes before the men ride away from the petrol pump.
Authorities, however, have not confirmed the authenticity of the footage, and Hindustan Times has been unable to independently verify it. The timestamp of 2:22 am aligns roughly with police reports stating that the accident occurred between 2:30 am and 3:00 am.
Sequence of the Fatal Incident
The Bengaluru-bound private bus, operated by a local transport company, collided with the motorcycle on the outskirts of Kurnool in the early hours of Friday. According to initial police reports, the motorcycle’s fuel cap was open when the bus rammed it, leading to a fire that engulfed the bus.
The bus driver, Lakshmaiah, has been booked alongside the co-driver, Siva Narayana, on charges of negligence and overspeed, following a complaint filed by one of the survivors, N Ramesh. Police are investigating whether the tragic outcome could have been prevented with more cautious driving.
There are conflicting accounts regarding the exact circumstances of the collision. Initially, Siva Narayana stated that the bus struck the motorcycle during heavy rainfall, which had reduced visibility. However, he later revised his statement, claiming that the motorcycle and rider were already lying on the road due to a prior accident, and Lakshmaiah unintentionally drove over them, triggering the fire.
Public Reaction and Social Media Speculation
The CCTV clip has generated widespread attention online, with many social media users speculating about Shivasankar’s condition at the time of the crash. Some have labeled him as “drunk,” although police have not confirmed any substance use. Experts caution that social media speculation should be treated with care, as investigations are ongoing and details are still being verified.
Authorities are also looking into environmental and infrastructural factors, including poor visibility due to heavy rain, to understand how the collision escalated into a fire. Investigators are reviewing all available CCTV footage from the area and collecting witness statements to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Legal Proceedings and Police Action
The Ulindakonda Police in Kurnool have registered a case of negligence and overspeed against the bus drivers. The investigation aims to determine whether road conditions, vehicle speed, or the motorcycle rider’s actions contributed to the accident.
As part of the investigation, police are examining:
- CCTV footage from nearby locations, including the petrol pump.
- Statements from survivors and eyewitnesses.
- Vehicle conditions, particularly the motorcycle’s fuel tank and bus safety mechanisms.
- Weather and visibility conditions at the time of the crash.
Further arrests or charges may follow depending on evidence gathered in the ongoing probe.
Casualties and Immediate Impact
The accident resulted in 20 fatalities, including Shivasankar, and multiple injuries. Survivors and local authorities have described the scene as chaotic, with flames quickly engulfing the bus after the collision. Emergency responders worked to evacuate passengers, but the fire spread rapidly due to the motorcycle fuel igniting on impact.
The tragedy has sparked discussions on road safety in India, particularly concerning:
- Overspeeding by buses and heavy vehicles at night.
- Visibility challenges during rain or fog.
- The need for stricter safety checks for motorcycles and buses, including ensuring fuel caps are securely closed.
- Public awareness campaigns for safe driving.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Police have confirmed that both bus drivers are being interrogated and that the investigation is active. Forensic teams are expected to analyze the CCTV footage from the petrol pump and other locations to confirm the sequence of events leading to the crash. The authenticity of the viral video will also be a key element of the investigation.
Authorities are urging the public not to spread unverified claims on social media until the investigation concludes. Statements by the drivers, combined with forensic evidence and witness accounts, are expected to clarify whether the accident was solely due to driver negligence, adverse weather conditions, or factors related to the motorcycle and its rider.
Summary
The Kurnool bus accident remains under active investigation after the tragic fire claimed 20 lives early on October 24. CCTV footage allegedly showing the motorcycle at a petrol pump shortly before the collision has gone viral, raising questions about the rider’s condition. Authorities are scrutinizing driver statements, weather conditions, and vehicle circumstances to piece together the cause. Police have registered a case against the bus drivers for negligence and overspeed, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
This incident highlights the continuing challenges of road safety in India, especially in conditions of low visibility and night-time travel, emphasizing the importance of caution, vigilance, and strict adherence to traffic safety norms.
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