The driver of the private double-decker, Miriyala Lakshmaiah who ran over a fallen motorcycle at 2:39 a.m., dragging it until the ruptured fuel tank ignited, was arrested today. Nineteen passengers and the biker, B Shiva Shankar, died; pillion rider Erri Swamy survived and confirmed both were intoxicated. Police investigation reveals the bus driver, had obtained his commercial licence using fake Class 10 certificates despite only completing Class 5 education—violating the mandatory Class 8 requirement for transport vehicle operators.

Investigators revealed Lakshmaiah secured the licence through forged academic documents, a widespread malpractice enabled by corrupt intermediaries and lax verification at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). CCTV footage showed the biker refuelling at 2:24 a.m., just 15 minutes before losing control and crashing into a divider.

The bus, carrying 42 passengers, had no chance to evade the obstacle in darkness. Flames spread within seconds, trapping most occupants; emergency crews recovered only charred remains. The Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has suspended the vehicle’s fitness certificate and launched a probe into the operator’s compliance history.

The tragedy has intensified scrutiny on systemic failures: over 40 per cent of heavy vehicle licences in southern states are suspected to involve fraudulent qualifications, per a 2024 NITI Aayog report. Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, reacting on Sunday, branded drunk drivers “terrorists” and pledged zero tolerance. Authorities are now pushing for biometric-linked licensing, mandatory alcohol ignition interlocks for commercial fleets, and stricter RTO audits. Victim families, many mourning multiple losses, demand compensation and accountability.

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As forensic analysis continues, the Kurnool disaster serves as a grim reminder that road safety hinges on rigorous enforcement—from genuine driver credentials to sober decision-making. With India recording over 1.7 lakh annual road deaths, half linked to impaired or unqualified operators, the incident underscores the urgent need for reform to prevent one individual’s negligence from annihilating dozens of lives.

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