Andhra tragedy: 13 killed after tipper rams into private bus in Markapuram
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.
By - Newsmeter Network
Markapuram: At least 13 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.
The deceased and injured include women and children.
Collision Triggers Massive Fire
According to Markapuram DSP U. Nagaraju said that the accident occurred between 6:00 am and 6:30 am. The bus, belonging to Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Jagityal in Telangana to Kaligiri in Nellore district when the accident occurred.
A speeding tipper lorry heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a concrete load reportedly rammed into the bus, triggering a massive blaze. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames within minutes and were completely gutted.
The tipper driver was also injured in the accident and has been admitted to a hospital.
Passengers trapped, casualties rise
The bus was carrying over 35 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. As many as 15 passengers were injured, and 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.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy expresses shock, seeks detailed report
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed shock over the Markapuram bus accident, conveying deep grief over the loss of lives and the serious injuries sustained by several passengers. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao to gather complete details of the victims involved in the accident, which occurred while the bus was travelling from Nirmal to Nellore.
He instructed officials to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh authorities and ensure that the injured receive proper medical treatment. Acting on the directions, Rao spoke to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart and enquired about the incident.
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
