At least 14 people were charred to death after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and burst into flames in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district early Thursday morning.
According to the police, several passengers were burnt alive. The death toll is expected to further rise as fire and rescue teams are attempting to retrieve the bodies.
According to the police, the accident took place around 6:00 am when the bus belonging to Harikrishna Travels was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore. Following the collision, the bus caught fire, and several passengers were burned alive, officials said.
VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh: At least eight people were killed and about 18 injured in a bus fire accident in Markapuram district on Thursday. Rescue teams are working to identify the victims and gather details of their relatives.#AndhraPradeshNews #Fire
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 26, 2026
(Full video available on… pic.twitter.com/eDHHXcchAc
Reportedly, there were 40 passengers in the bus.
Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nagraju said at least 20 passengers were injured and they were shifted to nearby hospitals.
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2026
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.…
The accident, reportedly, took place while the bus was taking a turn near the quarry stretch, when it was allegedly hit by the speeding tipper.
Over-speeding by the tipper vehicle might have led to the crash, said officials. “The private bus and the tipper caught fire immediately after the collision, leaving several passengers trapped inside the bus. The intensity of the flames was such that both vehicles were completely gutted,” said officials.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the accident and spoke with senior officials to review the situation. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to launch a thorough inquiry into the accident and submit a findings report immediately.
Also read
- Dwarka Scorpio crash: Minor’s father apologises, but will justice prevail for the victim?
- Delhi teen driver who ran over man out on interim bail for class 10 boards; Sahil Dhaneshra died of haemorrhage, skull fracture
- WATCH | Major tanker accident causes damage to Russia's Ust-Luga Port, authorities to investigate
IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed grief over the incident, stating that officials have been instructed to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. He affirmed that the government would stand by the families of the victims in every possible way.
While the exact identities of the deceased are yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that some of the victims may hail from the Kanigiri region.
