Nine people were killed and several others injured after a private bus carrying 35 passengers overturned and fell into a gorge on a road between Andhra Pradesh's Chinturu and Bhadrachalam early on Friday morning, officials said.
The accident occurred around 5.30 am near Tulasipakalu village. The bus, reportedly from Chittoor district, was transporting tourists who had visited the Bhadrachalam temple and were en route to Annavaram when it veered off the road and plunged into the valley.
"Nine casualties have been reported. The injured have been shifted to Bhadrachalam Hospital for treatment," ASR District Collector Dinesh Kumar said. Seven others were initially moved to the Community Health Centre in Chintur, located about 15 km from the accident site, before being stabilised for transfer.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as passengers were trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Police and local rescue teams launched immediate operations to retrieve survivors and recover bodies.
Authorities have confirmed that the bus carried 35 passengers along with a driver and a cleaner. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the toll could rise as officials continue their efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for each injured person.
"Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a post on X.
Source: India Today