India, Oct. 26 -- At least 19 people were charred to death when a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire. The fire took place after the bus collided with a fallen motorbike, whose rider also died, on National Highway 44 (NH-44) near Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool in the early hours of Friday.

Investigations have revealed that the accident occurred after the biker, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, lost control and died on the spot, leaving his motorbike lying on the highway.

The tragedy has sparked anger among the locals and investigators alike, Hyderabad police commissioner, VC Sajjanar, launched a scathing condemnation of drunk driving, terming it as an act of "terror."

"Drunk drivers are terrorists....