Andhra bus fire tragedy: Govt sets up control room, issues helpline numbers

Amaravati: Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have set up multiple control rooms and released helpline numbers following the bus accident in Markapuram district that claimed 14 lives and left several others injured.

A command control room has been established at the Markapuram RDO office. The helpline numbers are 6304285613, 9985733999, 7989537285 and 9703578434. Another control room has been set up at the Prakasam district Collectorate in Ongole with helpline number 1077.

Additionally, a control room has been opened at the Nellore Collectorate. District Collector Himanshu Shukla said assistance is available at 7995575699 and 08612331261, noting that about 15 passengers on the bus were from Nellore district.

Markapuram District Collector P. Rajababu announced a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and assured that the injured are being provided advanced medical care. The administration has also pledged support to affected families.

At least 14 people were burnt alive and 22 others injured when a private travel bus collided with a tipper truck near Rayavaram around 6.30 a.m. on Thursday. The bus caught fire after the crash near a stone quarry, and both vehicles were completely gutted.

The bus, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was carrying about 35 passengers and was travelling towards Nellore from Jagityal in Telangana.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and held a teleconference with senior officials, including ministers and police authorities, to review the situation. Officials informed him that three of the injured are in critical condition.

Preliminary reports suggest the driver claimed the steering got stuck, and authorities are verifying the statement. The accident may have occurred after the bus moved into the opposite lane. Plans are underway to shift critically injured passengers to better facilities in Guntur for advanced treatment.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the best medical care, provide compensation to victims’ families and conduct a thorough investigation, while conveying condolences to those who lost their loved ones.

With inputs from IANS