New Delhi /Amaravati : At least 14 people lost their lives and 15 others were injured after a private travel bus collided with a tipper truck and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning, officials said. The tragic accident took place near Rayavaram in Markapuram area at around 6:30 AM, when the bus crashed into a concrete-laden tipper truck near a stone quarry. The impact triggered a massive fire, engulfing both vehicles and reducing them to ashes.
Prime Minister Expresses Grief Over Tragic Mishap
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the tragic mishap in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister announced that an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X;
“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 @narendramodi”
Passengers Trapped as Fire Engulfs Bus
The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was carrying around 35 passengers and was en route from Hyderabad to Pamuru in Prakasam district.
While 10 passengers managed to escape immediately after the collision, several others were trapped inside the burning vehicle. The deceased and injured include women and children, making the incident particularly distressing.
The injured have been shifted to the Government Hospital in Markapuram, where some are reported to be in critical condition. Officials fear the death toll may rise.
Victims from Kanigiri and Pamuru
According to preliminary reports, most of the victims belonged to Kanigiri and Pamuru towns in Prakasam district. The tipper truck involved in the accident was reportedly transporting concrete from Chimakurthi to Markapuram.
Rescue Operations Launched Swiftly
Upon receiving information, police and fire department teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire tenders were deployed to douse the flames.
Local MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the accident site to assess the situation and oversee ongoing rescue efforts.
CM Chandrababu Naidu Orders Probe
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
He has directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and submit a detailed report at the earliest. The Chief Minister also reviewed the medical treatment being provided to the injured.