New Delhi, 26 March (H.S.):

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed deep sorrow over the horrific road accident in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh, where a private bus caught fire after a collision with a tipper truck early on Thursday morning. The Prime Minister has also announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the victims’ families and the injured.

In a post on the social media platform X, President Murmu said, “I am deeply pained to learn about the tragic bus accident in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand with them in this hour of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. I pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also issued a statement on X, describing the incident as extremely distressing. He said, “The tragic bus accident in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh is extremely painful. My condolences are with the bereaved families at this difficult time. I pray that the injured recover quickly and that all those impacted by this tragedy find strength and support.”

In an official post from the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the incident in Markapuram was deeply saddening. He expressed his profound sympathy to the families who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The Prime Minister’s post added that an ex‑gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be provided to the next of kin of each person who died in the accident, while ₹50,000 would be given to each injured individual. The amount is intended to help the families cope with immediate expenses and medical treatment.

The accident took place on Thursday morning in Markapuram, when a speeding tipper truck collided violently with a private bus near Rayavaram, causing both vehicles to burst into flames. At least 10 passengers were charred to death on the spot, and several others sustained serious injuries. Rescue teams and local administration rushed to the site as soon as information about the crash was received, and the injured were immediately shifted to the nearest hospitals, where treatment is continuing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar