A tragic road accident in Andhra Pradesh has left the nation shaken as nine pilgrims from Chittoor district lost their lives and several others were injured when a private travel bus plunged into a deep valley on the Tulasipaka ghat road. The early-morning incident unfolded on a sharp turn along the Chinturu–Maredumilli stretch, a route known for its treacherous curves and steep drops. The horrifying crash has raised serious questions about road safety conditions on ghat sections and the measures needed to protect travelers on pilgrimage routes.
The bus, carrying families and devotees headed toward the famed Bhadrachalam temple, was part of a pilgrimage tour that had already covered key destinations in North Andhra. Survivors described moments of sheer panic as the vehicle slipped off the road. Local residents and police teams were among the first to reach the isolated crash site, battling the terrain and early-morning darkness to rescue those trapped. As authorities work to piece together how such a catastrophic accident occurred, leaders across the nation have expressed grief, solidarity and support for the victims.
The incident has triggered a massive coordinated response from district officials, state leaders, and central authorities. Emergency teams, medical staff, and administrators were mobilized to ensure swift treatment for the injured. As condolences poured in, the tragedy highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure, driver vigilance, and regulatory oversight on hazardous ghat roads that often witness heavy tourist and pilgrim traffic.
Deadly Early-Morning Crash on the Chinturu–Maredumilli Ghat Road
The fatal accident occurred around 4 a.m. when the bus, belonging to Vigneswara Travels and carrying 37 passengers, lost control at a sharp curve and plunged into a valley on the Tulasipaka ghat road in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district. The journey, which began in Chittoor, had taken the group through several spiritual destinations. The pilgrims had visited the Simhachalam temple a day earlier and reached Araku Valley by evening, planning to proceed to the revered Bhadrachalam temple at daybreak.
The sudden plunge into the valley reportedly happened within seconds, giving passengers no time to react. Survivors recounted a terrifying moment when the vehicle veered sharply and toppled into the gorge. Many were asleep when the accident occurred, making it even harder for them to brace for impact. Rescue crews from both Maredumilli and Chintoor police stations arrived promptly, joined by villagers who rushed in to help extract passengers from the wreckage.
Despite the challenging terrain, the first responders managed to rescue several injured passengers, who were then shifted to nearby hospitals. Authorities confirmed that nine people died on the spot, while more than two dozen sustained injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma. The difficult location of the crash site slowed down the evacuation process, but the combined efforts of police, forest officials and residents helped save many lives.
Accounts From Survivors Reveal the Harrowing Experience
One of the survivors shared that the pilgrimage group had set out from Chittoor with excitement and devotion. The itinerary included visits to popular temples and scenic locations across North Andhra Pradesh. After a peaceful evening in Araku Valley, the group continued its journey early the next day. She described the bus suddenly losing balance at a turn before plunging into the valley around 4:30 a.m., leaving passengers trapped and disoriented.
Several survivors reported that the bus had been moving at a considerable speed while navigating the ghat road, which features multiple blind curves. Whether the cause of the accident was driver fatigue, overspeeding, brake failure, or poor visibility remains under investigation. Preliminary assessments by officials indicate that the sharp terrain, combined with early-morning fog, may have contributed to the crash.
The emotional trauma experienced by the survivors is immense, as many saw friends and family members injured or killed in the accident. Mental-health support and counseling services are expected to be arranged for the affected families as the investigation continues.
Leaders Condemn the Accident and Announce Support Measures
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and immediately reviewed the situation with district officials. He directed senior authorities to rush to the accident site, supervise rescue operations, and ensure that all injured passengers receive full medical support. He emphasized the need for quick coordination to prevent further casualties and ordered a detailed report on the cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who died and Rs 50,000 for the injured. In his message, he expressed grief over the tragic loss of life and assured complete support from the central government in relief efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Nara Lokesh and several other leaders extended their sympathies. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha left for Chinturu shortly after receiving updates, promising to oversee on-ground operations personally. She also emphasized that road-safety audits and emergency-response mechanisms on ghat roads would be strengthened to prevent similar tragedies.
Swift Rescue Operations by Police and Local Residents
Police personnel and local villagers were among the first responders to reach the crash site after receiving alerts. Despite the steep terrain, they began rescue operations immediately, helping injured passengers climb out of the valley and carrying those who were unable to move. Their quick action played a crucial role in saving lives during the critical early minutes following the accident.
Teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where emergency medical procedures were initiated. Doctors worked through the morning to stabilize patients and assess the severity of their injuries. Officials confirmed that the condition of several passengers remains critical, prompting the deployment of additional medical staff to handle the influx.
Authorities have assured that a comprehensive review will be conducted to determine whether negligence, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions played a role in the accident. Preliminary findings and eyewitness accounts will guide further legal and administrative action.
Ongoing Investigation and Road-Safety Concerns
The tragic incident has renewed attention on travel safety, particularly on the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road, which is known for its scenic beauty but also for its sharp inclines and dangerous curves. Calls for improved road-signage, speed monitoring, guardrails, and driver-fatigue checks have intensified in the wake of the accident.
The government is expected to review the condition of private travel buses operating on long-distance routes to ensure they meet required safety standards. Routine maintenance, driver training, and stricter enforcement of speed limits may become key components of future safety reforms.
As families mourn their loved ones, the state stands united in grief, demanding answers and urgent improvements to prevent future tragedies. The coming days will determine the extent of accountability and the measures taken to protect the thousands of pilgrims and tourists who traverse these roads every year.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
