Andhra Pradesh Bus Accident: At least 13 dead after bus–lorry collision sparks fire near Rayavaram

At least 13 people were killed and 22 others injured in a major road accident near Rayavaram in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district on Thursday after a private travel bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire.

The collision triggered a massive blaze after the bus struck the tipper’s diesel tank, engulfing the vehicle within minutes and trapping several passengers inside. Officials said some victims were feared to have been burnt alive due to the intensity of the fire.

According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office, 35 passengers were on board, of whom 13 died while 22 are undergoing treatment. Among the injured, three are in critical condition. Earlier estimates had suggested a higher death toll, but it was later revised to 13.


The bus was travelling from Jagtiyal in Telangana to Kaligiri in Nellore district when the accident occurred between 5:30 am and 6 am near an area known for heavy vehicle movement. The impact was severe, with the tipper overturning and the front portion of the bus being completely sheared off.

Preliminary findings indicate that the bus may have veered into the opposite lane before the crash. The driver has reportedly claimed that the steering wheel got stuck, a statement now under verification by authorities.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with a command and control room set up at the Markapuram deputy collector’s office to assist victims’ families. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the incident, held a teleconference with senior officials, and directed that the best possible medical care be provided. He also announced compensation for the victims and ordered a detailed investigation, assuring full support to the affected families.

Meanwhile, PM Modi announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for the families of all the deceased from the PMNRF fund, while the injured were offered Rs 50,000.

"The mishap in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh, is tragic. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO said in a post on X.