9 pilgrims killed as bus plunges into gorge on Andhra Pradesh ghat road

Nine pilgrims were killed and several others grievously injured on December 12 when a private bus returning from a temple visit skidded off the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road and crashed into a deep gorge near Rajugarimetta in Alluri Sitarama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh.

Police said the vehicle, carrying 35 passengers and two drivers from Chittoor district, was on its way from Bhadrachalam to Annavaram when the driver lost control on a curve along the treacherous hillside stretch.

Teams from Chinturu police station reached the spot swiftly, launching rescue and evacuation efforts in challenging terrain. Officials cautioned that the death toll could rise as several of the injured are in critical condition.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed “deep shock” over the tragedy, calling the loss of lives “extremely painful”. He directed senior officials to rush to the spot, oversee coordinated rescue operations, and ensure immediate medical care for the injured, who were shifted to the Chinturu hospital.

Minister Nara Lokesh termed the incident “heartbreaking” and said the government would stand by the bereaved families. He instructed district authorities to guarantee timely, high-quality treatment for all the injured.

Home Minister Anitha sought detailed reports from the police and directed that rescue operations continue without delay and that the injured receive the best available medical support.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing profound grief, announced ex gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Families of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh each, while the injured will be given ₹50,000. “Pained by the loss of lives… My thoughts are with the affected people and their families,” he said in a message through the PMO, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.