MARKAPURAM, AP — 14 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a tragic road accident early Thursday morning after a private sleeper bus collided head-on with a tipper truck and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district.
Accident Occurs Near Rayavaram
According to officials, the accident occurred between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM on March 26, 2026, near the slab quarries in Rayavaram under the Markapuram area.
The crash involved a private non-AC sleeper bus operated by Harikrishna Travels and a gravel-laden tipper truck. The bus was traveling from Jagtial in Telangana to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh when it collided head-on with the truck.
Also Read: 24 Dead After Bus Plunges Into Padma River at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal in Bangladesh
Authorities said the impact caused the bus to strike the truck’s diesel tank, triggering a massive fire that quickly engulfed the vehicle and trapped many passengers inside.
Casualties and Injuries
Police confirmed that 14 people lost their lives in the accident, while around 23–28 passengers sustained injuries. Several victims were reportedly charred beyond recognition due to the intense blaze.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Ambati Anil (26)
- Leo (5 months)
- Bandari Padma (28)
- Muthangi Venkateswarlu (45)
- Tammashetty Pichamma
- Tammashetty Rukmini
- Uppu Ramadevi
- Podili Mahendra
- N Prabhavati (36)
- Kathi Jayaramulu
- Atmakoru Chinna
- Devendra Ramaiah
- N Chaitra (6)
- Jyothi
Injured passengers were initially rushed to Markapur Hospital, while several critically injured victims are being transferred to Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) for advanced treatment.
Preliminary Cause Under Investigation
Officials said preliminary findings suggest the bus may have veered into the opposite lane, leading to the head-on collision.
However, the bus driver reportedly claimed that the steering wheel malfunctioned or got stuck, causing him to lose control. Authorities are currently verifying the claim as part of the investigation.
Police and Administration Response
Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju said the immediate priority was rescuing survivors and evacuating the injured. He confirmed that 23 injured passengers were transported to Markapur Hospital, while specialized teams were deployed to identify victims whose bodies were severely charred.
Meanwhile, District In-charge Collector P. Raja Babu announced the establishment of a command control room at the Markapuram RDO office to assist families seeking information about victims. He said the bus was carrying 41 passengers, and authorities are coordinating medical treatment and logistical support for survivors and their families.
State Government Orders Probe
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an emergency teleconference with local officials following the incident.
The Chief Minister’s Office directed authorities to:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation through a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the collision and the subsequent fire.
- Ensure best possible medical treatment for the injured and closely monitor their recovery.
Home Minister Visits Accident Site
State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha rushed from Vijayawada to Markapuram to personally oversee rescue and relief operations.
She announced the formation of a high-level committee involving Police, Transport, and Revenue departments to investigate possible lapses and recommend safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Condolences From National Leaders
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the tragedy in a social media statement.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic bus accident in Markapuram. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
- ₹2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased victim.
- ₹50,000 will be given to each injured passenger.
Survivors Recall Horrifying Moments
Several survivors described chaotic scenes as the bus quickly filled with smoke and flames.
One passenger sitting near the front said he woke up to intense heat and thick smoke, struggling to breathe before escaping through a window.
Another passenger traveling from Nizamabad to Pamuru said he was awake and using his phone at the time of the crash. He managed to break open a window and escape, also helping a woman exit through the emergency door.
A survivor named Mounika said she suffered minor injuries but lost her belongings in the fire.
“My mother tried to retrieve a laptop from inside the bus, but others pulled me out. The laptop is gone, but I am thankful to be alive,” she said.
In a heartbreaking incident, Uppu Ramadevi (41) reportedly sacrificed her life to help her son Manohar escape from the burning bus.
Another woman, who had been sleeping on an upper berth, said she jumped down into chaos and flames before someone pulled her to safety.
“Somebody pulled me out; I don’t know who,” she said, crediting unidentified rescuers.
Witnesses Cite High Speed
A survivor seated in the fifth row from the rear said the bus appeared to be traveling at high speed moments before the crash. She recalled being thrown from her seat when the collision occurred and waking up to find the bus already filling with smoke.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and the rapid spread of the fire.
