Markapuram: At least 13 passengers were charred to death and several others sustained injuries after a private passenger bus collided with a lorry and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on Thursday morning, police said.
The tragic accident occurred near Rayavaram village between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, when the bus, belonging to a private travel operator, was on its way from Nirmal to Nellore.
Collision leads to deadly fire
According to preliminary findings, the accident took place when the bus was negotiating a turn near a quarry stretch and was allegedly hit by a speeding tipper lorry. The impact triggered an immediate fire, rapidly engulfing both vehicles.
“The private bus and the tipper caught fire immediately after the collision, leaving several passengers trapped inside,” a senior police official said. The intensity of the blaze resulted in both vehicles being completely gutted.
Passengers trapped inside
At the time of the accident, around 40 passengers were travelling in the bus. Police said that those seated in the rear section were unable to escape after the collision, leading to a high number of fatalities.
Initial reports indicate that at least 13 passengers lost their lives after being trapped in the burning vehicle. Meanwhile, several others sustained injuries, some of them critically.
Passengers seated in the front portion of the bus reportedly managed to escape, which helped prevent an even higher death toll.
Rescue and relief operations underway
Emergency response teams, including police and fire services personnel, rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. Efforts were underway to retrieve bodies from the charred remains of the bus and assist survivors.
The injured were shifted to a hospital in Markapuram for treatment. Officials said the condition of some of the victims remains critical.
Authorities also noted that the death toll could rise further as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available.
Identification of victims in progress
The identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed. Preliminary reports suggest that some victims may belong to nearby regions, including Kanigiri.
Police are working to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the crash and verify details about the passengers on board.
Leaders express grief
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and grief over the incident. He reviewed the situation with senior officials and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to closely monitor rescue and relief operations and provide all necessary support to the affected families.
Local MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy visited the accident site and assessed the situation on the ground.
Cause under investigation
While initial reports suggest that over-speeding by the tipper lorry may have caused the accident, officials have stated that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
Experts have pointed out that accidents on curved stretches, especially near quarry zones, can be particularly dangerous if vehicles are driven at high speeds.
Conclusion
The devastating accident near Markapuram highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the catastrophic consequences of road collisions involving heavy vehicles. As authorities continue rescue and investigation efforts, the focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and identifying the victims.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and enhanced road safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.