Chintur: At least nine people lost their lives and 23 others sustained injuries after a passenger bus plunged into a valley in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitaramaraju district in the early hours of Friday. The accident occurred at around 4:30 a.m. on a ghat road near a Durga temple, police officials said.
According to preliminary information provided by the police, the bus was travelling from Chittoor to the Sri Rama temple in Bhadrachalam. A total of 37 people were on board at the time of the accident, including the driver and a cleaner.
Initial investigations suggest that heavy fog in the area significantly reduced visibility, which may have contributed to the mishap. Police said the driver is believed to have failed to notice a sharp curve on the ghat road, causing the vehicle to skid off the roadway. The bus then overturned and fell into the valley below.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after the accident, following which police and local administration teams rushed to the spot. Rescue operations were carried out to retrieve passengers trapped inside the damaged vehicle and to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar said that among the 23 injured, four are in critical condition and are currently undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. He added that medical teams are closely monitoring the injured passengers and that authorities do not anticipate an increase in the death toll.
“The injured were shifted to hospitals without delay, and necessary arrangements were made to ensure prompt treatment,” Bardar said, adding that the situation is now under control.
The ghat road where the accident took place is known for sharp bends and steep stretches, particularly challenging to navigate during early morning hours when fog is common. Officials said visibility was poor at the time of the accident, which appears to have played a key role in the incident.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the tragic accident. In a statement, he conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure that the injured receive proper medical care.
Local authorities said relief and rescue efforts were carried out swiftly, with police personnel, health officials, and volunteers coordinating at the accident site. Cranes and other equipment were used to assist in the recovery operation, and traffic movement in the area was temporarily regulated to facilitate rescue work.
An official inquiry has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the accident. Police said they are examining all aspects, including road conditions, weather factors, and the condition of the vehicle, as part of the investigation.
The incident once again highlights the risks associated with travel on ghat roads, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution while navigating hilly terrain, especially during early morning and late-night hours when visibility can be severely affected.
