The wreckage of a bus that collided with a dump truck in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh on March 26, 2026. Photo: Special arrangement
A tragic road accident near Rayavaram in Markapuram district has sent shockwaves across Andhra Pradesh, with several passengers feared dead after a private tour bus collided with a dump truck and burst into flames. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern over the incident, especially over reports that several passengers were burnt alive in the flames.
According to officials, the Harikrishna Travels bus was on its way from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when the accident took place. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 20 injured passengers were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities fear the death toll could rise.
Markapuram bus fire: Telangana sets up control rooms as victims traced to families in Andhra
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The Chief Minister reviewed the situation with senior officials and sought details of the medical assistance provided to the injured. He ordered authorities to provide the best possible treatment and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident.
Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to immediately provide financial assistance and ensure advanced medical care for the injured. He further demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible, stressing the need for stronger road safety measures.
Several ministers, including Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, expressed their condolences and directed officials to speed up rescue and relief operations. They emphasized strict enforcement of road safety norms to prevent such tragedies.
State BJP chief PVN Madhav called the incident “heartbreaking”, especially as women and children were among the victims. He urged party cadres to help the victims and urged the government to extend full support.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to provide immediate relief and medical assistance to the injured. He expressed concern over the increasing frequency of bus accidents, cited non-compliance with preventive measures and demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of accidents.
Published – 26 March 2026 09:22 IST
