Daijiworld Media Network – Amaravati

Amaravati, Mar 26: At least 14 people were killed and 23 others injured after a private bus collided head-on with a gravel-laden tipper truck in Markapuram on Thursday morning.

According to preliminary reports, the bus, carrying over 37 passengers, was en route to Kaligiri in Nellore district from Jagityal in Telangana when the accident occurred. The impact of the collision caused the bus to catch fire, resulting in several passengers being burnt to death.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with local residents assisting authorities in pulling out those trapped inside the burning vehicle. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

V Harshavardhan Raju, Superintendent of Police, said that 23 injured persons have been shifted to hospital and efforts are underway to gather complete details of the victims.

The driver of the tipper truck also sustained injuries and has been hospitalised.

Authorities are working to identify the victims and inform their families. The bodies will be handed over to relatives after completion of necessary procedures.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and ordered a detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident.