Nine pilgrims died and twenty-three sustained injuries after a private bus plunged into a deep gorge early Friday morning.
Visakhapatnam
Nine pilgrims lost their lives and 23 others were injured when a private travel bus fell into a gorge in Alluri Sitharamaraju district during the early hours of Friday. The tragic accident occurred along the Chintur–Naredumilli ghat road after the driver reportedly failed to negotiate a sharp turn, hitting a safety wall before the vehicle plunged into the gorge.
The bus, which had 37 occupants including two drivers, was travelling from Araku to Bhadrachalam. All passengers were residents of Chittoor district and were on a pilgrimage tour to various temples in north Andhra and neighbouring Telangana, with Bhadrachalam Temple being their next destination.
Rescue efforts were delayed initially due to the absence of mobile network coverage in the remote accident location, resulting in a lag before authorities were informed. Police teams rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation, recovering nine bodies. The injured were taken to a hospital in Chintur, while five critically injured passengers were shifted to Bhadrachalam for advanced treatment. Five police vehicles and three ambulances were deployed to support the rescue operation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that dense fog may have reduced visibility, contributing to the mishap. Officials also believe the driver, unfamiliar with the route, lost control of the bus at the curve.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. Home Minister V. Anitha and Tribal Welfare and Women and Child Welfare Minister G. Sandhya Rani visited the accident site and instructed district authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families.