The driver of a private travels bus involved in a fatal collision in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on March 26 did not have a valid driving license, as confirmed by the police. Following the accident that claimed the lives of 14 passengers, the police arrested both the bus owner, Harikrishna Reddy, and the driver, Yuvaraj.
Harikrishna Travels’ bus, en route from Jagtial in Telangana to Kanigiri in Andhra Pradesh’s Nellore district, caught fire after colliding head-on with a tipper near Rayavaram. Tragically, 14 passengers lost their lives, while 29 others sustained injuries in the incident.
Investigations revealed that the second-hand bus, purchased by Harikrishna Reddy eight months ago, was not in good condition. Despite this, the bus continued to operate, deviating from its original route through Vinukonda in Prakasam district due to frequent repairs needed during the journey.
Officials reported that the bus, a semi-sleeper, was speeding at the time of the collision with the tipper. The accident occurred when the bus driver swerved into the wrong lane, hitting the tipper’s diesel tank, causing a fire due to spilled diesel. The use of highly flammable materials in the bus exacerbated the fire’s rapid spread.
The presence of an emergency exit door played a crucial role in saving around 20 passengers’ lives during the tragic incident.
