12 Killed as Bus-Lorry Crash Sparks Fire in Andhra
Several passengers burnt alive after private bus catches fire in Markapuram
- 12 people killed in bus-lorry collision in Andhra Pradesh
- Bus caught fire after crash; several passengers burnt alive
- Around 20 injured, shifted to hospitals
- CM Naidu orders probe, assures support to victims
GG News Bureau
Markapuram, 26th March: At least 12 people were killed after a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district early Thursday morning, 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 caught fire, trapping several passengers inside, many of whom were burnt alive.
Police officials initially reported eight deaths, but the toll later rose to 12 as more bodies were recovered from the charred remains of the bus. Around 18 to 20 injured passengers were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagraju said rescue operations were carried out swiftly, though the intensity of the fire made the situation challenging. Authorities have indicated that the death toll may rise further.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and reviewed the situation with officials. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.
State IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed grief, calling the incident deeply distressing. He assured that the government would extend full support to the affected families.
Police have launched a probe to ascertain the exact cause of the collision, while efforts are ongoing to identify the victims.
