New Delhi

The Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday expressed condolences over a fatal road accident in Markapuram district of Andhra Pradesh and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.

In a post on X, the PMO said an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund would be provided to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, while ₹50,000 would be given to the injured. The office also conveyed sympathies to bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those hurt.

The accident occurred near slab quarries when a private bus collided with a tipper lorry, leaving 13 people dead and around 20 injured. The impact triggered a fire in the bus, which was completely gutted. The vehicle, operated by Harikrishna Travels, was travelling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and sought updates on medical treatment for the injured, who have been admitted to nearby hospitals. He also directed officials to carry out a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident and submit a report.

In a separate incident, a fire broke out near the Chief Secretary’s bungalows in Rayapudi, Amaravati, reportedly originating from stored pipes belonging to a private company. Firefighters deployed multiple engines to bring the blaze under control.

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Meanwhile, another road accident earlier this week in East Godavari district claimed three lives after two cars collided on a national highway, leaving five others injured. Further details are awaited.