Andhra Pradesh: Pilgrims Bus Falls Into Gorge, 10 Dead, Many Injured

At least 10 people died and several suffered injuries when a private bus plunged into a gorge on the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, late on the night between Thursday and Friday. Officials said the casualty figures could rise as rescue work continued.

Police reported that the vehicle crashed near the 9th milestone close to Tulasipaka, a stretch known for sharp curves. The bus went off the road after hitting the safety wall on the ghat section, throwing passengers around the vehicle and down the slope.

Andhra Pradesh bus accident: Rescue efforts and hospital care

The accident spot lay in a hilly area with poor mobile network coverage, which delayed alerts to authorities. After receiving information, Mothugunta officials reached the site and began rescue operations. The injured were taken to the government hospital in Chintoor for treatment, while bodies were recovered from the wreckage.

Officials said the toll could increase as some passengers had serious injuries and a few remained trapped when operations began.

Andhra Pradesh bus accident: Pilgrimage trip and government response

The private travel bus carried 37 passengers from Chittoor district, including two drivers. The group was on a pilgrimage tour and was headed to Annavaram after visiting Bhadrachalam. The crash happened after midnight while the bus travelled through the winding ghat road section.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and asked officials to act quickly. Naidu directed district authorities to reach the accident site without delay and instructed them to ensure every possible form of assistance for the injured passengers and the families of those who died.