Published Mar 26, 2026 | 8:29 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM
The vehicles caught fire after the collision.
Synopsis: At least 10 people were burnt alive, and 20 were injured after a private bus caught fire after colliding with a truck in Markapuram in Andhra Pradesh. According to preliminary reports, the collision triggered a massive fire, which engulfed both vehicles within minutes.
At least 13 people were burnt alive, and 24 were injured after a private bus caught fire after colliding with a truck near Rayavaram in Markapuram in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Thursday, 26 March, said state Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav.
According to a note from the Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s office (CMO), the bus, belonging to Harikrishna Travels, was en route from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh at the time of the incident.
The accident took place at around 6.30 am on Thursday. According to preliminary reports, the collision triggered a massive fire, which engulfed both vehicles within minutes.
There were around 40 passengers on board at the time of the accident. Officials said those seated in the rear portion of the bus were unable to escape and were charred to death.
Passengers seated in the front section managed to break out and escape with injuries. A total of 24 injured persons were shifted to the Government General Hospital in Markapuram.
Among the injured, five sustained fractures, while 21 suffered minor injuries. Three people have already been referred to higher centres for advanced treatment.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Several are said to be in critical condition. Police and fire department personnel rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information and launched rescue operations.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep shock and grief over a tragic road accident.
“The accident occurred when a tipper lorry collided with a private bus, leading to a devastating fire. Several passengers aboard the bus were reportedly charred to death, prompting the Chief Minister to convey profound condolences over the loss of lives,” the CMO said.
The chief minister immediately spoke to senior officials to review the situation and sought updates on the medical treatment being provided to the injured. Authorities informed him that around 20 injured passengers have been shifted to nearby hospitals and are undergoing treatment.
Expressing concern that the death toll may rise, Naidu directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. He also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the accident and asked for a detailed report to be submitted at the earliest.
Authorities said identification of the deceased is underway, with several victims suspected to be from the Kanigiri region.
Initial findings indicate that the tipper lorry may have been overspeeding, which may have led to the collision. Officials have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Markapuram MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy visited the accident site and reviewed the situation with officials.
(With inputs from Raj Rayasam.)
