The Aryavarth Express Markapuram (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 26 : Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bus accident in Markapuram district that claimed 13 lives and left about 20 people injured.
The incident took place in the early hours near Rayavaram when a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry. The collision led to a massive fire, engulfing the bus and resulting in several passengers being burned alive.
In a message posted on X, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the tragedy had deeply shaken him. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the government to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured. He also called for immediate financial assistance to the affected families and demanded a thorough investigation into the accident, along with strict action against those responsible.
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar also expressed shock and grief over the incident. After reviewing the situation with officials, he directed authorities to ensure prompt medical care for the injured and assured full support to the victims’ families.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also reviewed the situation and sought updates on the medical treatment being provided. Officials informed him that the injured had been shifted to nearby hospitals. He has ordered a detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident.
The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when it met with the accident near slab quarries, leading to a devastating loss of life.
