9 Killed as Pilgrim Bus Falls Into Ravine in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri District; Rescue Efforts Underway
At least nine people were killed and several others injured on Friday morning when a pilgrim bus skidded off a narrow hillside road and plunged...
At least nine people were killed and several others injured on Friday morning when a pilgrim bus skidded off a narrow hillside road and plunged into a deep ravine near Tulasipakalu village in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The bus was en route to the Sri Rama Temple in Bhadrachalam, Telangana.
Officials said poor visibility due to dense early-morning fog may have played a key role in the crash.
The Accident: A Sudden Drop on a Fog-Covered Ghat Road
According to the district administration, the vehicle was carrying 35 passengers, along with two drivers and a cleaner, when it lost control navigating a sharp bend on a forested ghat section.
A senior police officer told PTI that preliminary findings suggest the driver may have missed the curve because of heavy fog, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and roll down a steep slope.
Locals and passing motorists alerted authorities, following which emergency teams from the police, fire department, and local administration launched a rescue operation on the rugged terrain.
Officials Confirm Death Toll, Ongoing Rescue Operations
District Collector G. Srujana confirmed the casualties and said a coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was still underway.
“Nine people have died. Seven of the injured have been taken to the CHC in Chintur, around 15 km from the accident site. After stabilisation, we will shift them to Bhadrachalam for further treatment,” the collector said.
Dozens of passengers sustained injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma. Authorities said the final count may change as rescue teams search the lower sections of the ravine.
Pilgrimage Journey Turns Tragic
The passengers were reportedly travelling from Chittoor to offer prayers at the historic Sri Rama temple in Bhadrachalam, a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the winter season when many groups undertake long inter-state bus journeys.
Road safety experts have repeatedly flagged the Alluri region’s ghat roads—characterised by sharp bends, dense vegetation, and seasonal fog—as among the more dangerous stretches in the state.
PM Modi, CM Naidu Announce Relief and Monitoring
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and conveyed condolences to the families. The Prime Minister’s Office said ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of those who died, and ₹50,000 would be given to the injured.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu termed the accident “deeply distressing” and directed officials to ensure immediate and coordinated relief. He ordered senior bureaucrats to rush to the site, oversee rescue work, and guarantee that all victims receive “the best possible medical care.”
State officials have been asked to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause of the crash and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents, especially along high-risk ghat routes.
A Reminder of Recurring Hill-Road Risks
The tragedy highlights recurring concerns over safety standards in hill-state transport networks. Experts note that inadequate signage, low visibility, speeding, and lack of protective barriers are common contributors to accidents on ghat roads across India.
Authorities said a preliminary report on road conditions, vehicle fitness, and driver alertness will be prepared within the next 48 hours.