Amaravati: At least 14 people were burnt alive and several others injured after a private travel bus caught fire following a collision with a tipper truck in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on Thursday morning.
The accident occurred near Rayavaram between 6 a.m. and 6.30 a.m., close to a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the blaze. The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was carrying around 35 passengers at the time of the collision.
According to officials, several passengers sustained injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase. The victims include women and children. A few passengers managed to escape immediately after the fire broke out.
The bus was travelling from Telangana towards Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, while the tipper truck, loaded with concrete, was heading towards Markapuram from Chimakurthy. Preliminary findings suggest that the bus may have veered into the opposite lane, possibly after the steering malfunctioned. Police are also probing claims that both vehicles may have been on the wrong route. The collision reportedly led to an impact with the tipper’s diesel tank, triggering the fire.
Police and fire services rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire engines were deployed to control the blaze. The injured were shifted to hospitals in Markapuram and Ongole, with some critically injured victims likely to be moved to Guntur for advanced treatment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and held a review meeting with senior officials. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured, provide compensation to affected families, and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy and other officials expressed grief and directed authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Meanwhile, the administration has set up control rooms and issued helpline numbers at Markapuram, Ongole, and Nellore to assist victims’ families. Officials reiterated that all necessary measures are being taken to provide medical care and support to those affected.
Authorities have ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the accident, and further investigation is underway.
With IANS inputs