Andhra tragedy: 14 killed after tipper rams into private bus in Markapuram

Markapuram: At least 14 passengers were charred to death after a tipper lorry crashed into a private travel bus near the slab quarries at Rayavaram in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district early Thursday morning.

Collision Triggers Massive Fire

According to preliminary reports, the accident occurred between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. The bus, belonging to Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when the accident occurred.

A speeding tipper lorry reportedly rammed into the bus, triggering a massive blaze. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames within minutes and were completely gutted.

Passengers trapped, casualties rise

The bus was carrying over 20 passengers at the time of the accident. Those seated in the rear portion of the bus were unable to escape and were charred to death.

Passengers seated in the front section, around 10 in number, managed to escape with injuries. Officials fear the death toll may rise further.

Rescue operations underway

Police and fire services personnel rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations. The injured were shifted to a private hospital in Markapuram, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Victims likely from Kanigiri region

Authorities suspect that several of the deceased may be residents of the Kanigiri region, though identification is still underway.

Preliminary cause: Overspeeding

Initial findings indicate that overspeeding by the tipper lorry could have led to the accident. A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause.

MLA visits accident site

Markapuram MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy visited the accident site and reviewed the situation with officials.

CM Chandrababu expresses shock

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district. He spoke to officials and reviewed the medical assistance being provided to the injured.

District police briefed the Chief Minister on the situation, while he voiced concern that the death toll may rise. He directed officials to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the accident and submit a detailed report.

YS Jagan seeks immediate aid, probe, and strict action on road safety lapses

Calling the incident extremely distressing, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Jagan urged the state government to respond swiftly by ensuring the best possible medical care to the injured and shifting them to well-equipped nearby hospitals with dedicated medical teams.

He demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and called for stringent action against those responsible.

Stressing the need for strict enforcement of road safety norms, he said such negligence must not be tolerated and steps should be taken to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.

He also appealed to the government to announce immediate financial assistance to the victims’ families and extend all necessary support.

This is a developing story