Amaravati, March 26 (H.S.): At least eight persons were killed and about 18 others injured after a bus caught fire following a collision with a gravel-laden tipper in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, police said.

The accident occurred near Rayavaram in the Markapuram area. According to officials, several passengers were trapped inside the bus when it caught fire after the collision.

Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagraju said eight persons were burnt alive in the incident while the injured were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Police said some passengers suffered minor injuries while efforts are underway to collect complete details of the victims. Rescue teams are continuing operations to identify the deceased and inform their family members.

Officials said some bodies are suspected to be still inside the burnt vehicle, making rescue and recovery operations challenging.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

Further investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar