Tragic Bus Accident in Andhra Pradesh: PM Modi Offers Support to Victims' Families
Prime Minister Modi Responds to Andhra Pradesh Tragedy
New Delhi: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following a devastating bus accident in Andhra Pradesh, announcing a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs for the families affected.
The tragic incident occurred when a private bus collided with a tipper truck in Markapuram district, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and injuries to 15 others.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared a message on X, stating, "The incident in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is heartbreaking. My condolences to those mourning their loved ones. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
According to the PMO, an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs. 50,000.
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.…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 26, 2026
The collision took place around 6:30 a.m. near Rayavaram, where the bus struck a tipper truck close to a stone quarry, leading to both vehicles being engulfed in flames.
At the time of the accident, the bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was carrying 35 passengers. Among them, 15 were injured and transported to the government hospital in Markapuram.
The number of fatalities may rise as several injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition.
The victims included women and children, with ten passengers managing to escape the bus before the fire spread.
The bus was en route from Hyderabad to Pamuru in Prakasam district, while the tipper truck was transporting concrete from Chimakurthy to Markapuram.
Emergency services, including police and firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations, deploying three fire engines to extinguish the blaze.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock over the incident, reaching out to officials for updates and directing them to ensure the best medical care for the injured.
He also instructed a comprehensive investigation into the accident, requesting a detailed report.