Andhra: Nine pilgrims killed, several injured after bus falls into gorge near Rajugarimetta

Visakhapatnam: Nine pilgrims were killed and several others injured when a private bus veered off the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road and plunged into a gorge near Rajugarimetta in Alluri Sitarama Raju district on Friday.

The bus, carrying 35 passengers and two drivers from Chittoor district, was returning from Bhadrachalam and heading towards Annavaram when the accident occurred.

Police teams from Chinturu reached the site immediately and began rescue operations. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.

CM Chandrababu expresses shock

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the tragedy, calling the loss of lives extremely painful.

He was informed that the injured had been shifted to the Chinturu hospital for urgent medical care. The Chief Minister instructed senior officials to rush to the accident site and ensure swift rescue and coordinated relief measures across departments.

Government will support families: Minister Lokesh

Minister Nara Lokesh conveyed profound sorrow over the deaths, describing the incident as heartbreaking. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive timely, high-quality treatment and assured the government would stand firmly by the bereaved families.

Ensure best treatment for the injured: Home Minister Anitha

Home Minister Anitha sought detailed information from the police regarding the mishap. She instructed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and to continue rescue operations without delay.

PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia for kin of victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced financial assistance for the victims of a tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district, where at least eight pilgrims lost their lives.

In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, he expressed deep grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PMO posted.

The Prime Minister also approved an ex gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). “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,” he announced, assuring support to the families struck by the tragedy.