At least 13 people were killed and 22 others were injured after a private bus caught fire after it struck a tipper lorry in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on Thursday.
According to officials, the impact of the collision led to a fire in the bus, leaving several passengers trapped. Many of the victims were charred to death.
Officials said rescue operations are ongoing while a command and control room has been set up at Markapuram deputy collector's office to assist families.
The private bus was heading to Kaligiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana when the accident occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am.
The truck overturned and the front of the bus was completely sheared off by the force of the collision.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives. He directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and submit a detailed report.
President Droupadi Murmu condoled the loss of lives in the accident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
"Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Murmu said on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased.
"The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PM Modi said.