​​​​​​​KURNOOL (ANDHRA PRADESH), October 25: The driver of the ill-fated Bengaluru-bound bus that tragically caught fire, claiming the lives of 20 people, narrowly escaped the blaze by jumping through the passenger door. Authorities have stated that the driver, Miriyala Lakshmaiah (42), failed to assess the gravity of the situation as the fire engulfed the vehicle.

Both Lakshmaiah and the additional driver are currently in police custody. A formal case was filed following the incident on Friday.

The tragedy unfolded at Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district when the private bus collided with a motorcycle. The impact of the crash triggered a fire that engulfed the bus, leading to the deaths of 19 passengers and a motorcyclist, all of whom were tragically burned beyond recognition.