PM Modi Announces Rs 2 Lakh Aid After Bus Fire Kills 13 In Andhra Pradesh
Bus collision triggers fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam, killing 13; PM announces compensation for victims and injured.
At least 13 people lost their lives and around 20 others sustained injuries after a private bus collided with a tipper truck and caught fire in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district on Thursday morning. The tragic accident occurred near slab quarries in the Markapuram area, turning a routine journey into a devastating incident.
According to officials, the private bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore when it crashed into the truck at around 6:00 am. The impact triggered a massive fire, rapidly engulfing the vehicle and leaving several passengers trapped inside. Authorities reported that many victims were unable to escape as the flames spread quickly, consuming the bus entirely.
Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagaraju stated that several passengers were burnt alive in the blaze, while others were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals. “Nearly eight people were burnt alive, and about 18 injured persons have been rescued so far and shifted to hospital. Efforts are ongoing to gather complete details of the incident,” he said, indicating that the casualty figures may be subject to further verification.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance for the victims. In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister’s Office conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. An ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund was announced for the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation with district officials and directed them to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed shock over the loss of lives and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the best possible care to those affected.
Road accidents involving heavy vehicles remain a persistent concern in India, often exacerbated by factors such as early morning travel, poor visibility, and highway congestion. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including driver fatigue, road conditions, and vehicle safety compliance, as part of the ongoing probe into the Prakasam tragedy.
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