The wreckage of a bus that collided with tipper vehicles near Rayavaram in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh on March 26, 2026. Photo Credit: Photo: Special Arrangements
A major road accident took place near Rayavaram town in Markapuram district of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday (26 March 2026).
Reacting to the accident, Markapuram District Chief Collector P. Raja Babu said, “Of the 41 passengers in the bus, 13 persons died on the spot and their bodies were recovered. Among the 25 injured persons admitted to the Markapuram Government Hospital, 10 sustained serious injuries and five were in critical condition. Five critical persons will be shifted to Guntur GGH.”
According to police officials, the accident took place at a turning point where a private tour bus collided with a dumper truck loaded with gravel coming from Kanigiri at 5:30-6:00 am. The bus belongs to Harikrishna Travels and was traveling from Nirmal in Telangana to Vinjamur in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
When two vehicles collided, a massive fire broke out, engulfing both vehicles, leaving the passengers with no time to escape. While there were around 35-40 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
Police and firemen rushed to the spot to start rescue operations and take away the dead bodies of the deceased. The injured passengers have been admitted to Markapuram Government Hospital for immediate treatment, those in critical condition are to be shifted to Obula Reddy Hospital.
Police authorities are trying to identify the deceased victims, inform their family members and investigate the exact cause of the accident. The death toll is feared to rise as officials continue to search through the charred remains of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and deep grief over the burning of several passengers in the bus accident. He spoke to the officials about the medical assistance that was given to the injured.
The district police officials informed the chief minister that the injured passengers were immediately shifted to various hospitals and are undergoing treatment. The CM expressed concern over reports that the death toll is likely to rise.
He directed the officials to thoroughly investigate the causes of the accident and submit a detailed report.
Published – 26 March 2026 08:52 IST
