NAGPUR/NEW DELHI: A drunk driver behind the wheel caused the bus accident on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra on July 1, in which 25 passengers were charred to death. The chemical analysis report of the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Amravati, said driver Shaikh Danish had 30% more than the legal alcohol limit in his blood sample collected on the day of the accident. The blood alcohol content (BAC) legal limit in Maharashtra is 0.03%, or 30mg alcohol in 100ml blood.
The RFSL also confirmed the DNA analysis of 23 bodies has been completed while reports of two are awaited. The lab also said that diesel caused the fire and its quick spread gave little opportunity to the 25 victims to escape.
The forensic report also took into account evidence such as tyre marks and lack of evasive manoeuvres to avoid the crash to conclude that tyre burst did not cause the accident. As reported by TOI on July 1, the evidence pointed to the driver sleeping off and subsequently the bus ramming into the wall of the median. Booked under IPC Section 304 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, driver Danish’s blood report may lead to his conviction, resulting in 10 years of imprisonment and fine.
The RFSL also confirmed the DNA analysis of 23 bodies has been completed while reports of two are awaited. The lab also said that diesel caused the fire and its quick spread gave little opportunity to the 25 victims to escape.
The forensic report also took into account evidence such as tyre marks and lack of evasive manoeuvres to avoid the crash to conclude that tyre burst did not cause the accident. As reported by TOI on July 1, the evidence pointed to the driver sleeping off and subsequently the bus ramming into the wall of the median. Booked under IPC Section 304 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, driver Danish’s blood report may lead to his conviction, resulting in 10 years of imprisonment and fine.