Hyderabad: The driver of the luxury Bengaluru-Hyderabad sleeper bus that caught fire near Kurnool, killing 19 passengers, has been arrested by Andhra Pradesh police. Miryala Lakshmaiah was seen on the outskirts of Kurnool and taken into custody, marking a key development in the case.

Lakshmaiah admitted to driving at 80-90 km/h in rainy conditions when the bus ran over a stationary bike on the road, igniting the fatal blaze. The bike rider, found dead nearby, was drunk, according to forensic reports. The bus dragged the bike for about 300 metres before the fuel tank exploded, triggering the fire.

The second driver, who was not behind the wheel but helped break windows to rescue trapped passengers, is cooperating with police and has not been arrested.

Further investigations are now focu

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