Seven people were killed and eight others were injured after a private travel bus collided with an auto-rickshaw in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district early Thursday morning, August 27. The accident took place near Adda Road in Chilakaluripet mandal, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to police, the private bus was travelling from Vijayawada towards Tirupati when it collided with an auto-rickshaw carrying 15 passengers. The passengers in the auto were residents of Veluru village in Chilakaluripet mandal and were reportedly returning home after attending a birthday celebration at Kondamanjulur in the neighbouring region.
The collision was severe. Four passengers died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries at hospitals, taking the death toll to seven. Eight people were injured, including four children, and were rushed to hospitals in Chilakaluripet and Guntur for treatment. Their conditions were being closely monitored by doctors.
Police have identified the deceased as Bontu Babu, 62, Bontu Manemma, 55, Sampurnamma, 70, Gangamma, 50, Lakshmamma, 75, Choutupalli Swarthamma, 45, and Mariamma, 45. Six of the seven victims were women.
Emergency teams and police reached the accident site soon after receiving information. The injured were taken to the Government General Hospital in Guntur and the Chilakaluripet Government Hospital. Officials have been coordinating medical assistance and monitoring the condition of those undergoing treatment.
The circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated. A police officer said the bus was travelling towards Tirupati, while another report said the accident occurred near Kala Mandir Junction after the bus had stopped to pick up a passenger. Police are examining the movement of both vehicles and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims. He directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and that their health is monitored closely.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed his condolences and spoke with officials about the relief and medical arrangements. The state government has stressed the need for strict road-safety measures and a detailed inquiry into the circumstances of the accident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over road safety in Andhra Pradesh and the need for greater caution, particularly on busy routes used by private buses and local passenger vehicles.
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