RAYAVARAM (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 26: Thirteen people were killed and 22 injured after a private travels bus collided with a tipper and caught fire here in Markapuram district on Thursday, police said.
While earlier estimates from District Superintendent of Police V Harshavardhan Raju suggested 14 fatalities, an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) later confirmed 13 deaths.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in the accident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Murmu said on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased.
“The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PM Modi said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and grief over the road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district.
“A total of 35 passengers were on board the bus at the time of the accident, of whom 13 lost their lives while 22 injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment. Among the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition,” the release said.
The bus struck the tipper’s diesel tank, triggering an inferno.
Officials said rescue operations are ongoing while a command and control room has been set up at Markapuram deputy collector’s office to assist families.
The private bus was heading to Kaligiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana when the accident occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am.
The truck overturned and the front of the bus was completely sheared off by the force of the collision.
According to officials, the bus driver reportedly stated that the steering wheel got stuck, and authorities are verifying this claim.
Preliminary assessment suggested that the bus moved into the opposite lane before the crash.
Meanwhile, the CM held a teleconference with senior officials and ministers, directing them to extend the best possible medical care to the injured and announced adequate compensation to the families of the deceased and injured passengers.
Ordering an investigation into the accident, Naidu offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assured full support from the state government.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the incident.
Revanth Reddy directed the State Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao to gather complete details about those who died and those who were injured in the accident.
He instructed him to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials and collect full information. The Chief Minister also ordered that the injured receive the best possible medical care.
Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, spoke with his AP counterpart, an official release said. (PTI)
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