Amaravati, March 26, 2026: A private sleeper bus operated by Harikrishna Travels slammed into a gravel-laden tipper truck near Rayavaram in Markapuram mandal around 6 a.m.
The impact sparked a fierce blaze that gutted both vehicles. Officials report 14 deaths on the spot with several victims burnt beyond recognition; around 25-28 passengers sustained injuries, some critical.
The bus was carrying passengers from Nirmal in Telangana toward Vinjamuru in Nellore district.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu immediately reviewed the situation, directed top medical care for the injured, and ordered a full inquiry.
District authorities shifted the wounded to nearby hospitals, including plans to move critical cases to Guntur. Political leaders across parties expressed shock and called for stricter road safety enforcement. A control room has been set up to support affected families.
