14 killed, 27 injured as bus collides with tipper in Andhra Pradesh
14 killed, 27 injured as bus collides with tipper in Andhra Pradesh
A private bus collided with a tipper-truck near Rayavaram, Markapuram district, triggering a massive fire; 14 dead and 27 injured.
A private bus traveling from Jagtial in Telangana to Kaligiri in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, collided with a tipper-truck near a quarry road close to Rayavaram in Markapuram district around 6 am today. The impact sent the bus into the opposite lane, where the speeding tipper-truck struck it, and the fuel tank exploded, sparking a fierce blaze that gutted both vehicles within minutes.
Preliminary investigations indicate the bus's steering got stuck as the driver tried to negotiate a turn, causing the loss of control. The flames spread rapidly, making escape difficult, especially for passengers seated toward the rear.
One of the drivers and the cleaner managed to survive with injuries, while 14 passengers were killed and 27 others were injured, police said. Rescue teams from police and fire services faced initial challenges due to the intensity of the fire as they retrieved victims, cleared wreckage, and assisted survivors. The deceased have been identified as Ambati Anil (26), his son Leo (5 months), Bandari Padma (28), and Muthangi Venkateswar, among others. The Home minister noted that the bus held a valid license and insurance until December 2026.
Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any safety lapses contributed to the tragedy. Officials urged motorists to exercise caution and called for enhanced road-safety measures in the region.
