Hyderabad: At least 16 passengers, almost all of them college students, were killed and 50 were injured when a crowded bus slid down the road in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, police said.
The accident occurred between Penukonda and Madakasira, about 450 km from here. The toll may go up as the condition of 13 of the injured was said to be critical. While 11 died on the spot, five succumbed at hospitals.
The bus belonging to the state-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) was proceeding from Madakasira to Penukonda when the driver reportedly lost control while trying to avoid hitting an auto-rickshaw. According to witnesses, the bus slid and fell off the road, about 15 km from Penukonda town. Work was going on there to widen the road.
Thirteen students including a girl were killed in the accident. Almost all students were of Class 11 and 12. Two students of Class 6 and 10 were also killed. The victims include a forest officer.
According to officials, 46 injured were undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hindupur and four in Anantapur. The bus was carrying more than 60 passengers. Some of the injured said the negligence of the driver caused the accident. They said he was driving fast and did not heed to their warning.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and grief over the accident. Naidu announced a compensation of Rs5 lakh each for the families of the dead and Rs2 lakh each for the grievously injured. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister N Chinna Rajappa announced a probe into the accident.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths.
In a message to Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, the President said: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the incident today in which a number of persons lost their lives and some were critically injured. I understand relief operations are underway. I am sure that the state government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured and all possible aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones.”
“Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons,” he added.
Modi too expressed grief and condoled the loss of lives.
“PM has expressed grief on the unfortunate accident in Anantapur, AP. He extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet.
Modi also wished “a speedy recovery to those injured in the accident”.IANS
