Andhra Pradesh Bus-Lorry Fire: 13 Dead, 25 Injured in Markapuram

A tragic road accident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, March 26, 2026, near Rayavaram in the Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, when a private bus collided head-on with a tipper lorry. The devastating impact almost immediately triggered a massive fire, engulfing both vehicles and leaving many passengers trapped inside. This horrific incident resulted in the death of 13 people, who were reportedly charred to death, while 25 others sustained injuries. The private bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was en route from Nirmal or Jagtial in Telangana to Nellore or Vinjamuru in Andhra Pradesh when the collision occurred, estimated to be around 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. Preliminary reports suggest the accident took place at a turning point near slab quarries, an area known for heavy vehicle movement. There were approximately 35 to 40 passengers on board the bus at the time of the mishap. Officials noted that those seated in the rear portion of the bus found it difficult to escape the inferno, leading to a higher number of fatalities, while some passengers in the front managed to break out with injuries. The number of fatalities was confirmed at 13 by an official release from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), although some initial reports had indicated figures ranging from 8 to 14 deaths. Regarding the injured, the Markapuram District In-charge Collector P. Raja Babu stated that among the 25 injured persons admitted to the Government General Hospital in Markapuram, 10 sustained severe injuries and five were in critical condition, necessitating their transfer to higher medical centers in Guntur. Police and fire department personnel swiftly responded to the scene, launching rescue operations with three fire engines deployed to douse the flames, which completely gutted both vehicles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep condolences over the tragic loss of lives. He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh (approximately 2,00,000 Indian Rupees) from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased victim. Additionally, ₹50,000 (approximately 50,000 Indian Rupees) would be provided to those who sustained injuries in the accident. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her sorrow and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and grief over the incident. He immediately contacted senior officials to review the situation, obtain updates on the medical treatment being provided to the injured, and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care. The Chief Minister also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the causes of the accident and called for a detailed report. Control rooms have been established in Markapuram and Nellore to assist the affected families. This incident is a stark reminder of road safety challenges, especially involving heavy vehicles and passenger buses, and highlights the immediate need for robust safety measures and vigilant driving practices on national highways. The collaborative reporting from multiple credible sources like The South First, The Economic Times, NDTV, India Today, and ANI News corroborates the key facts of the story, confirming its authenticity and significance.

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