Amaravati, March 26 – At least 14 people were killed and 15 others were injured in a horrific accident when a private bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, police said.
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 and were taken to the government hospital in Markapuram.
The death toll is likely to rise 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 escape 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 carrying concrete from Chimakurthy to Markapuram.
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.
Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the scene and oversaw the relief operations.
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 has directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and submit a report.
Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy has also expressed grief over the mishap. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
The minister has directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured.
Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology, Nara Lokesh, has also expressed shock over the loss of lives in the bus disaster. He has assured the families of the victims that the government will render all possible assistance.