13 killed as bus-lorry collision sparks fire in Andhra Pradesh, leaders announce aid and probe

At least 13 people were killed in a devastating road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district early Thursday, after a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire, police said.

The accident occurred around 6:00 AM when the bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore. Following the collision, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, trapping several passengers inside.

Police officials said many victims were burnt alive in the blaze. Earlier reports had put the death toll at eight, but it was later revised to 13, with fears that the number could rise further.

“Nearly eight people were burnt alive, and about 18 injured persons have been rescued so far and shifted to hospital. Efforts are on to gather complete details of the incident,” Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagraju told a TV channel, according to PTI.

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Around 20 injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the mishap “tragic” and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.

The incident has triggered widespread grief. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and reviewed the situation with officials, directing a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and ensuring medical treatment to those who were injured.

He also directed the authorities to submit a detailed report of the entire incident.

State IT Minister Nara Lokesh also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident deeply painful, and assured that the government would provide full support to the victims’ families while ensuring proper treatment for the injured.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed deep shock over the Markapuram bus accident, calling the loss of lives “immensely painful.”

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and said the Telangana government is coordinating with Andhra Pradesh authorities to ensure better medical care for the injured.

“I have directed Chief Secretary Shri Ramakrishna Rao to ascertain the details of the deceased and injured in this bus accident, which was traveling from Nirmal in Telangana state towards Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, and to coordinate with Andhra Pradesh officials to take relief measures on a war footing,” he wrote on X.

Authorities are continuing rescue and investigation efforts as more details emerge about the incident.