Tragedy Strikes in Chittoor: Fatal Road Accident Claims Seven Lives

Tragedy struck in Chittoor district on Friday when a fatal road accident on Mogili Ghat road in Bangarupalem Mandal claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a 6-year-old girl, and left 33 others injured. The incident unfolded as a speeding lorry transporting iron blocks collided with an APSRTC bus on the Bengaluru-Tirupati highway. According to authorities, the lorry veered out of control while descending the ghat, veered across the divider, and smashed into the bus en route from Tirumala to Bengaluru. The force of the impact caused the bus to collide with another lorry, exacerbating the situation. Prompt action by locals alerted the police, who swiftly rescued the injured and transported them to nearby medical facilities. Tragically, five passengers lost their lives at the scene, with two more succumbing to their injuries on the way to the hospital. The deceased individuals included S. Vijayamma, 53, Hansika Yadav, Bala Raju, Sonu Kumar, and S. Manoharan (56), the dedicated APSRTC bus driver. Two additional victims remain unidentified. District authorities, such as Collector Sumit Kumar and SP V.N. Manikanta Chandolu, inspected the crash site and visited the hospitals to assess the situation. Collector Kumar noted that the accident occurred at a known high-risk area, with efforts already underway to enhance safety measures in such locations. Expressing heartfelt condolences, CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announced financial assistance of 25 lakhs for the families of the victims. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy pledged comprehensive government support for all those impacted by the tragic incident.