Bus Falls Into Gorge In Andhra Pradesh, 9 Pilgrims Dead

Chintoor: A private bus carrying pilgrims from Chittoor district overturned on the Chittoor-Maredumilli Ghat road in Alluri Sitarama Raju district early Friday, leaving up to 15 passengers feared dead. The vehicle, which reportedly had around 35 people onboard, fell into a deep gorge after the driver reportedly lost control on the steep stretch.

The group of pilgrims was travelling from Bhadrachalam to Annavaram after offering prayers at the Bhadrachalam temple. According to local reports, the driver was unfamiliar with the ghat terrain, which led to the tragic accident.

Police and locals rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and initiated rescue operations.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu took to X and assured better medical aid for all the injured. Expressing shock over the deaths in the bus accident in Alluri Sitarama Raju District, the Chief Minister wrote, “The accident involving a private bus carrying passengers near Chittoor district in Alluri Sitarama Raju has deeply shaken us. It is heartbreaking that several lives were lost in this accident. I have spoken with the officials regarding the accident and gathered details about the assistance being provided to the affected individuals. I have instructed the officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that the injured receive better medical aid. The government will stand by the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.”

Following the fatal bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district, PM Modi, in a statement shared on PMO's X handle, expressed his profound pain over the loss of lives, extending his thoughts and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and offering condolences to the affected families. “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time,” PM Modi said. 

He further announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

According to the ASR District Collector, several injured passengers were immediately transferred to Bhadrachalam Hospital for treatment. The cause of the accident and the identities of the victims are being determined.

(Further details awaited)