Tragic Bus Accident in ASR District: 9 Pilgrims Dead, 22 Injured in Heart-Wrenching Gorge Plunge
In a tragic accident in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, nine pilgrims lost their lives and 22 others sustained injuries when their bus veered off course and plunged into a ditch early Friday morning. The incident occurred near Mothugudem in Rajugarimettu along the Chintoor-Maredumilli road, with thick vegetation reportedly preventing the bus from falling deeper into the gorge.
The deceased have been identified as S.V. Nageswara Rao, Sailaja Rani, Syamala, Sunanda, Siva Shankar, Madhu, Srikala, Uma Reddy, and Krishna Kumari. All of the victims hailed from Chittoor district, with some traveling from Bengaluru.
The ill-fated journey began on December 6, as the bus departed from Chittoor. The pilgrimage included stops at significant religious sites like the Srikurmam and Arasavalli Sun Temple in the Srikakulam district, ultimately leading to Simhachalam on the evening of December 11. Following their visit to Araku Valley, the group set off for Bhadrachalam when the unfortunate accident occurred.
At the time of the crash, the bus was carrying 37 individuals, including two drivers and three kitchen staff. According to local police, the group was on a spiritual journey en route to Bhadrachalam, having also explored various temples and scenic locations like Lammasingi and Araku Valley just a day prior.
The Superintendent of Police, Amit Bardar, stated that the driver appeared to be unfamiliar with the mountainous terrain and demonstrated negligence while braking at a curve. Compounding the situation, thick fog reduced visibility, contributing to the mishap. Bardar also confirmed that police arrived at the scene within an hour and that the injured individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals at Chinturu, Rampachodavaram, and Bhadrachalam.
In the aftermath of the accident, traffic on the Chintoor-Maredumilli road was temporarily halted to facilitate rescue operations. Those with critical injuries were subsequently transferred to larger medical facilities for urgent care. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to provide support and assistance to the affected families. The local community, mourning the loss of life and supporting the injured, is rallying to assist in any way they can.
Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution, especially in hilly areas, and remind pilgrims to ensure that those responsible for transporting them are adequately experienced in navigating challenging routes. This incident serves as a harrowing reminder of the need for heightened road safety awareness, particularly during periods of heavy fog and when traversing unfamiliar terrain.
Original Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/many-feared-dead-after-private-bus-plunges-into-gorge-in-asr-district-1923369
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Publish Date: 2025-12-12 23:32:00
