Vijayawada: At least 14 people were killed and 23 others injured after a private bus collided head-on with a tipper truck and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram area on Thursday morning.
According to initial reports, the bus, carrying more than 37 passengers, was travelling from Jagityal in Telangana to Kaligiri in Nellore district when it collided with a gravel-laden truck. The impact led to a fire, leaving several passengers trapped inside. Many of the victims were charred to death.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with local residents assisting emergency teams in evacuating survivors from the burning vehicle. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. The driver of the truck also sustained injuries and was hospitalised.
Authorities have begun efforts to identify the victims and contact their families. The cause of the accident is yet to be determined and is under investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families. In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “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 ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000, the statement added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with senior officials and ministers, directing them to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. He also announced compensation for the families of those killed and those injured in the accident.
