At least 10 people lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries after a devastating collision between a private passenger bus and a tipper truck in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning.
The tragic incident occurred near Rayavaram village in the Markapuram district between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, according to preliminary police reports. The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was en route from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when it was struck by a speeding truck while negotiating a turn near a quarry stretch.
Authorities stated that the impact of the collision triggered an intense fire, rapidly engulfing both vehicles. The flames spread so quickly that many passengers were unable to escape, resulting in multiple fatalities. Officials confirmed that those seated toward the rear of the bus were the most affected, while some passengers in the front section managed to escape.
Emergency response teams, including police and fire services, rushed to the scene and initiated rescue operations. Several injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals in Markapuram, where some remain in critical condition. Reports indicate that approximately 40 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.
A senior police official noted that overspeeding by the truck is suspected to be a key factor in the crash, although a detailed investigation is currently underway. Authorities are also working to identify the deceased, with early indications suggesting that some victims may be from the Kanigiri region.
N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and reviewed the situation with senior officials. He directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care and that rescue operations continue without delay.
Local MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy also visited the accident site to assess the situation firsthand.
Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue efforts to recover victims and clear the wreckage.
