Kurnool bus fire: How APFSL's precise investigation determined actual cause of accident

Amaravati : Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta has hailed Andhra Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (APFSL) for its swift and precise investigation into the tragic Kaveri Travels bus fire at Nayakallu village in Kurnool district.

The incident left 19 passengers charred beyond recognition, making identification an enormous challenge.

Acting on the orders of DGP Harish Kumar Gupta, APFSL Director Dr. Palaraju immediately rushed to the accident site with 16 forensic teams, comprising 10 DNA analysis units, four physical analysis teams, and two chemical analysis units.

The physical analysis teams examined vehicle structural defects, road conditions, and the angle of impact, while the chemical analysis teams investigated the cause of the fire, inspected the diesel tank, and looked for any traces of explosives. Their findings played a crucial role in determining the actual cause of the accident.

Simultaneously, the DNA analysis teams worked meticulously to collect human remains and blood samples from the victims’ families. Using advanced automated DNA electrolysis systems and STR-based DNA profiling technology, experts developed DNA profiles for all 19 bodies within just 13 hours. The matches were verified, and reports were handed over to authorities within 24 hours, enabling the bodies to be identified and released to their families swiftly and accurately.

The remains of the victims were handed over to their families – six each from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, two each from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one each from Odisha and Bihar.

The APFSL has emerged as one of the most efficient forensic institutions in the country, completing 24,389 reports in the past year alone. It provides forensic results in DNA, NARCO, POCSO, murder, and rape cases within three days, contributing to 78 percent of convictions through quality evidence and timely reports.

Acknowledging their exemplary performance and teamwork, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta felicitated the APFSL experts and presented them with certificates of appreciation at a ceremony held at the DGP office in Amaravati.

The private bus, carrying 46 people, including two drivers, en route to Bengaluru from Hyderabad, met with the ghastly accident near Chinnatekur village on the outskirts of Kurnool between 3 - 3.15 am on October 24, Friday. Nineteen passengers, including two children, were charred to death. Twenty-seven passengers, including drivers, escaped by breaking glass windows.

Police investigation revealed that the bus ran over a motorcycle lying on the road after the rider rammed it into the road divider. The bus dragged the bike for about 200 metres, and the friction and fuel leakage from the bike ignited a massive fire, which quickly engulfed the entire bus. Police concluded that bike rider B Shiva Shankar died after hitting the divider while his friend Erriswamy alias Nani, who was riding pillion and escaped with minor injuries, fled the scene in panic after watching the bus in flames.