President Murmu, PM Modi express grief over Andhra Pradesh bus tragedy
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday condoled the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh.
In a post on X, President Murmu said, “Pained to know about the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident in Alluri Sitharama Raju District of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for quick recovery of those injured.”
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
“Pained by the loss of lives due to a bus mishap in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a private bus overturned on the Chinturu–Bhadrachalam ghat road, a stretch known for its sharp curves and difficult terrain.
According to ASR District Collector Dinesh Kumar, the bus carrying 37 pilgrims from Chittoor district was travelling toward the Annavaram temple in Kakinada district after visiting the Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana. The accident occurred when the driver allegedly failed to negotiate a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to hit a safety wall and plunge into a deep gorge.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief over the tragedy.
CM Naidu said the accident had “deeply shaken” the state and assured that all necessary measures were being taken to ensure the injured receive proper medical care. He added that the government would stand by the families of those who lost their lives.
