Tragic accident: Bus catches fire after collision with gravel-laden dumper, 14 dead; 18 injured

Markapuram (The Uttam Hindu): A horrific road accident took place near Rayavaram area of Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram, where a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry. At least 14 people were burnt alive in the incident, while around 18 others sustained injuries.

The accident occurred near a slab quarry. Soon after the collision, the bus caught fire, trapping several passengers inside. The high-speed bus crashed into a gravel-laden tipper, triggering a massive blaze that completely gutted the vehicle.

According to local reports, 14 people have been confirmed dead, while the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Emergency services rushed to the spot and carried out rescue operations, which continued for several hours.

Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagaraju informed a TV channel that 18 injured passengers have been rescued and shifted to hospitals. Some victims suffered minor injuries and are currently under treatment.

Police said that efforts are underway to identify the deceased and inform their families. It is suspected that some bodies may still be trapped inside the burnt bus, making rescue operations more challenging. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.