Chittoor highway tragedy: APSRTC bus collides with lorries, killing eight

A devastating road accident on the Chittoor-Bangalore Highway in Andhra Pradesh has resulted in the deaths of eight people and injuries to over 30 others. The collision occurred on Friday near the Mogili Ghat in Chittoor district when an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus, travelling from Tirupati to Bengaluru, collided with two lorries. The accident has drawn significant attention due to the high number of casualties and the involvement of multiple vehicles.

Accident Details and Immediate Response

The APSRTC bus was carrying passengers from Tirupati to Bengaluru when it first collided head-on with a lorry and was subsequently struck from behind by another lorry. This chain collision caused substantial damage to the bus, leading to immediate fatalities and critical injuries among passengers. Most of the passengers were reportedly pilgrims returning to Bengaluru after visiting the Tirumala temple.

Emergency services were quick to respond. Local motorists and residents assisted in the initial rescue operations. The police and ambulances from nearby areas like Palamaner and Bangarupalem arrived swiftly to help the injured. Four ambulances were deployed to transfer the critically injured to the Government Area Hospital in Palamaner. From there, some of the severely injured were moved to hospitals in Bengaluru and Vellore for advanced treatment. The prompt response by emergency services was vital in managing the situation and preventing further loss of life.

Relief Measures and Government Response

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. The Chief Minister has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased. He has also directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured. The state government is overseeing the ongoing relief operations and has committed to offering all necessary support to the affected families. Additionally, the Chittoor Collector, Sumit Kumar, confirmed the relief measures and emphasised that the government is doing everything possible to support the victims during this challenging time.

Traffic Disruption and Investigation

The accident caused a significant traffic jam on both sides of the Chittoor-Bangalore Highway. Traffic movement was halted for several hours as rescue operations were underway. Authorities are working to clear the road and manage traffic flow as quickly as possible. The local police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest that the bus first hit a stationary lorry, leading to the collision with another lorry following from behind. The police are also in the process of identifying the deceased and have hinted that the number of casualties could potentially rise depending on the conditions of those critically injured.

Road Safety Concerns and Reactions

The Chittoor-Bangalore Highway, especially the Mogili Ghat section, has been identified as a highly accident-prone area. The recent accident has raised fresh concerns about road safety in this region, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and better traffic management to prevent future mishaps. Local authorities have been urged to assess the safety standards of the highway and implement necessary improvements.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing aid to the victims and ensuring that such a tragic incident does not repeat itself. The Andhra Pradesh government is expected to announce additional measures aimed at improving road safety on this perilous stretch of the highway.

This tragic incident on the Chittoor-Bangalore Highway has highlighted the need for improved road safety and rapid emergency response systems. The Andhra Pradesh government’s swift relief measures and support to the affected families are steps in the right direction. However, long-term solutions are essential to ensure the safety of commuters on this route and to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.