Kurnool bus fire tragedy: Viral video shows biker before crash
What's the story
A viral video has emerged in the investigation of a tragic bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The incident, which took place on Friday morning, killed 20 people. The footage shows B Shiva Shankar (22) riding recklessly just before he crashed into a bus belonging to V Kaveri Travels on NH-44. The collision resulted in Shankar's motorcycle being dragged under the bus for 200 meters, leading to a massive fire that consumed both the bus and Shankar's motorcycle.
Pre-crash behavior
Shankar seen behaving erratically, struggling to balance on motorcycle
The CCTV footage, which is now circulating on social media, shows Shankar arriving at a petrol pump at 2:23am with a pillion rider. With no attendant present, the pillion rider left, likely to find someone for refueling. Meanwhile, Shankar was seen behaving erratically and struggling to balance on his motorcycle. The police, according to NDTV, suspect he may have been under the influence of alcohol or other substances during this time.
Twitter Post
CCTV footage of motorcyclist moments before crash
Man responsible for Kurnool bus accident.
— India Flick (@IndiaFlick) October 25, 2025
Clearly, he is out of control.
Licenses of such undisciplined youths should be revoked.
pic.twitter.com/HCrpjU20Oo
Tragic aftermath
Bus headed to Bengaluru from Hyderabad
The bus, belonging to V Kaveri Travels and headed from Hyderabad to Bengaluru with 46 passengers aboard, caught fire after the crash. Nineteen sleeping passengers were trapped in the blaze and perished. However, 27 others managed to escape by breaking windows and jumping out of the burning vehicle.
Ongoing investigation
Pillion rider in custody, investigation underway
The pillion rider of Shankar's motorcycle has been taken into police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are trying to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy and determine if Shankar was intoxicated during his ride. Forensic tests on Shankar's viscera samples will help confirm any presence of alcohol, which could change the focus of the investigation from driver negligence to potential intoxication.
Environmental factors
Both drivers arrested, travel agency responsible for negligent driving?
Investigators are now looking at two main theories behind the collision, made more difficult by heavy rain and darkness at that time. A survivor later recounted how "the bike came under the bus," leading to the fire. Earlier, Telangana minister Jupally Krishna Rao blamed both drivers, Laxmaiah and Siva Narayana, and their travel agency for negligent driving. Both have been arrested in connection with this incident.