Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced monetary assistance for the families affected by a devastating bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district, which claimed the lives of at least eight pilgrims.

Sharing his condolences through a message posted by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, he expressed sorrow over the tragic incident. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the bus accident in Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured,” the statement read.

The Prime Minister approved relief from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), stating that the next of kin of each deceased will receive ₹2 lakh, while those injured will be provided ₹50,000.

The fatal accident occurred early Friday on the Chintur–Naredumilli ghat section, a road notorious for its steep curves and challenging terrain. Preliminary investigations indicate that the private bus, carrying 37 passengers including two drivers, veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge after the driver reportedly failed to control the vehicle on a sharp bend. The bus is believed to have struck a roadside barrier before falling into the valley.

All passengers were pilgrims from Chittoor district, travelling toward the Annavaram temple in Kakinada district after offering prayers at the Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana.

The remoteness of the accident site added to the difficulties of the rescue operation. With no mobile network in the region, news of the accident reached Mothugunta police only after a considerable delay.

Once alerted, police teams rushed to the spot and carried out rescue efforts. Eight bodies were retrieved, and the injured were taken to the Chintur hospital. Five police vehicles and three ambulances were deployed for swift evacuation and medical support.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and promptly sought reports from officials. He directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best medical care and to extend all necessary help to the affected families.