Andhra Pradesh: In a tragic road accident that has raised fresh concerns over highway safety, at least 13 people lost their lives after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire in the early hours of Thursday in the Markapuram region.
The incident took place around 6:00 am when the bus was travelling from Telangana towards Nellore. According to initial reports, the collision was so severe that the bus immediately went up in flames, leaving several passengers trapped inside. Many victims are feared to have died due to burn injuries as the fire spread rapidly.
Authorities said that several passengers were rescued from the burning vehicle, with around 18 to 20 injured individuals rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Emergency teams and local police reached the spot soon after the accident and launched rescue and relief operations.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the intensity of the fire made it extremely difficult to carry out immediate rescue efforts, further increasing the casualty count. Officials are currently working to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, while efforts are underway to identify the victims.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter road safety measures, especially for long-distance passenger vehicles. Questions are also being raised about vehicle fitness, driver alertness, and emergency preparedness in such situations.
Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the matter, while relief and medical assistance are being provided to the injured.
