Nine killed as private bus plunges into gorge on Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road

Visakhapatnam: At least nine passengers were killed after a private travel bus lost control and plunged into a gorge on the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road late Monday evening. The incident has triggered widespread shock in Andhra Pradesh, with fears that the death toll may rise further as several injured passengers remain in critical condition.

According to initial reports, the bus was carrying more than 30 passengers who were returning after offering prayers at the Bhadrachalam temple and were en route to Annavaram.

At Raju Garimetta curve, the driver is suspected to have lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and roll into a deep valley. The narrow, winding stretch of the ghat road is known for its sharp turns and limited visibility, especially after dark.

Locals and police personnel rushed to the spot soon after receiving information about the accident. The steep terrain and darkness made rescue efforts difficult, prompting rescuers to use ropes, flashlights and improvised equipment to reach the victims.

Several passengers trapped inside the mangled vehicle were pulled out with great difficulty, eyewitnesses said. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby medical facilities, where emergency teams have been deployed to provide treatment.

Authorities are yet to release the exact number of injured, though sources indicated that the toll could increase as rescue teams continue to retrieve passengers from the ravine. Police have launched a preliminary investigation into whether brake failure, overspeeding or negligence contributed to the tragedy.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the accident. In a statement on X, he wrote that the news of a private bus accident near Alluri Sitarama Raju district was “heart-wrenching,” especially as several lives had been lost. He said he had spoken to senior officials and sought detailed updates on the ongoing rescue and relief measures.

The Chief Minister also directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and ensure immediate assistance to the affected families. “The government stands firmly with the families of those who lost their lives in the accident,” he assured.

More details are awaited as rescue operations continue and officials assess the full scale of the tragedy.

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