New Delhi, March 26 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his condolences for the loss of lives in the Andhra Pradesh bus accident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the bereaved families.
At least 14 people were killed, and 15 others were injured when a private bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh earlier in the day.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said, "The incident in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We hope the injured will recover soon."
"An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000," the statement further read.
The accident occurred near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely destroyed in the fire.
There were 35 passengers on the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels at the time of the collision. Fifteen passengers were injured. They were taken to the government hospital in Markapuram.
The death toll is likely to increase as the condition of some of the injured is reported to be critical.
The deceased and injured include women and children. Ten passengers managed to get off the bus immediately after the fire broke out.
The bus was travelling from Hyderabad to Pamuru in Prakasam district. The victims were residents of Kanigiri and Pamuru. The tipper truck was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a concrete load.
Upon receiving information, police and fire personnel rushed to the scene and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire engines were deployed to extinguish the flames.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the incident. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
The Chief Minister directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and submit a report.