Markapuram, March 26 (Udaipur Kiran): A major road accident in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh claimed the lives of 10 passengers, who were burnt alive after a private bus caught fire following a collision with a tipper. At least 12 others were injured in the incident.
The accident occurred near Rayavaram, close to the Palala mines area, when a private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Pamuru collided with a speeding tipper. The impact led to a massive fire, engulfing both vehicles.
According to available information, the incident took place between 6:00 am and 6:30 am when the bus reached a turning near the mines. The tipper, reportedly moving at high speed, rammed into the bus, triggering the fire. More than 40 passengers were on board at the time.
Passengers seated in the front portion of the bus managed to escape, with some jumping out to save their lives. However, those seated at the rear were unable to exit due to the rapid spread of flames and were trapped inside, leading to fatalities.
Local residents rushed to the spot upon witnessing the accident and helped shift the injured to nearby hospitals. Police and fire brigade teams were informed immediately and reached the scene to carry out rescue operations. Firefighters managed to control the blaze, but both the bus and the tipper were completely gutted, leaving behind only metal frames.
Eyewitnesses indicated that overspeeding by the tipper driver was the primary cause of the accident. Police officials also stated that preliminary findings point towards high speed as the main reason. Most of the deceased are believed to be from the Kanigiri area.
Markapuram MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy reached the site soon after the incident and monitored the rescue efforts. Officials have expressed concern that the death toll may rise.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and spoke to officials regarding the situation. He has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the accident and submit a detailed report.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
