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Andhra Bus Fire Tragedy: 14 Killed, Govt Announces Rs 5 Lakh Aid

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each person killed in a horrific bus fire in Markapuram district. The tragedy occurred when a private travel bus collided with a tipper truck, causing a fire that gutted both vehicles and resulted in 14 deaths and 28 injuries. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presided over a cabinet meeting that expressed grief and announced the financial aid, while also ordering a thorough probe into the accident. Preliminary investigation suggests both vehicles were on the wrong route, with the bus ramming the tipper's diesel tank.

Key Points: Andhra Bus Fire: Rs 5 Lakh Aid Announced for Victims' Families

  • 14 killed, 28 injured in bus fire
  • Govt announces Rs 5 lakh for kin of deceased
  • Collision with tipper truck caused blaze
  • CM Naidu orders thorough investigation
3 min read

Andhra bus fire tragedy: State govt announces Rs 5 lakh ex gratia

Andhra Pradesh announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia after a bus-tipper collision kills 14. CM Naidu orders probe into the Markapuram district tragedy.

"The bus apparently rammed into the diesel tank of the tipper, which resulted in the fire. - Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju"

Amaravati, March 26

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced financial aid of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed in the bus fire accident in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The government also decided to pay Rs 2 lakh each to the injured.

The decision was taken at the state Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Cabinet expressed grief over the accident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Fourteen people were burnt alive and 28 others injured as a private travels bus caught fire after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram between 6 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. when the bus collided with a tipper truck near a stone quarry. Both vehicles were completely gutted in the fire.

More than 40 passengers were travelling in the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels, which was on its way to Kanigiri in Nellore district from Jagtiyal in Telangana.

The injured were admitted to hospitals at Ongole and Markapuram. The condition of three of them is stated to be critical.

The deceased and injured include women and children. Some passengers managed to get down from the bus immediately after the fire broke out.

The tipper was heading to Markapuram from Chimakurthy with a load of concrete.

On receipt of information, police and fire-fighting personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue and relief operations. Three fire engines were pressed into service to douse the flames.

Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the spot and supervised the relief operations.

The Markapuram district Collector has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

According to Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju, preliminary investigation shows that both the bus and the tipper were on the wrong route.

The bus apparently rammed into the diesel tank of the tipper, which resulted in the fire.

The bus driver told police that the steering got stuck, which resulted in him losing control of the vehicle and hitting the tipper. The SP said they were investigating this version of the driver.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the bus accident. He spoke to officials and enquired about the mishap. He directed district authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct a thorough probe into the accident and submit a report.

Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy also expressed grief over the mishap. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.

The minister directed officials to ensure the best treatment for the injured.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
The news about women and children being among the victims is just devastating. The immediate response by fire engines and officials is commendable, but we need stricter enforcement for private travel operators. How many more such accidents before we make road safety a non-negotiable priority? Prayers for the injured, especially the three in critical condition.
V
Vikram M
The CM's directive for a thorough probe is good, but we've heard this before after every major accident. The report must be made public and action taken against those responsible, whether it's the transport company, the drivers, or the officials overseeing that route. Compensation is just the first step; accountability is what we need to see.
A
Anjali F
It's a relief to hear that the injured are getting ₹2 lakh for treatment. Medical costs can ruin families. I hope the government ensures this aid reaches them quickly without red tape. Also, the focus should be on better emergency medical services on highways. Time is critical in such accidents.
D
David E
The detail about the steering getting stuck is very concerning. This points to poor vehicle maintenance, which is a widespread issue with private buses. Regular, mandatory fitness checks need to be enforced strictly. A tragedy like this should be a wake-up call for the entire transport department.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the government's financial aid is appropriate, the announcement feels like a standard procedure now. The real tribute to the lives lost would be concrete, visible improvements in highway safety, driver training, and crackdown on violations. Let's hope this inquiry leads to real change and not just another filed report.

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