Amaravati, March 26 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared a financial assistance package of Rs 5 lakh for the families of individuals who tragically lost their lives in the recent bus fire incident in the Markapuram district on Thursday.

Additionally, the authorities will provide Rs 2 lakh for each person who sustained injuries.

This resolution was made during a state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

The Cabinet expressed profound sorrow regarding the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

A total of fourteen individuals perished in the flames, while another 28 were injured when a private travel bus ignited after colliding with a tipper truck in Markapuram district on Thursday.

The collision occurred near Rayavaram between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., as the bus crashed into a tipper truck close to a stone quarry, resulting in both vehicles being completely consumed by the fire.

Over 40 passengers were aboard the bus, which belonged to Harikrishna Travels, en route from Jagtiyal in Telangana to Kanigiri in the Nellore district.

The injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Ongole and Markapuram, with three reported to be in critical condition.

The victims included women and children, with some passengers managing to escape the bus shortly after the flames erupted.

The tipper truck was on its way to Markapuram from Chimakurthy, carrying a load of concrete.

Upon receiving the distress call, police and fire-fighting teams promptly arrived at the scene and commenced rescue operations. Three fire engines were deployed to extinguish the fire.

Markapuram MLA K. Narayana Reddy and senior officials visited the site to oversee the relief efforts.

The district Collector of Markapuram has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

As per Superintendent of Police Harshvardhan Raju, initial investigations indicate that both the bus and the tipper were traveling in the wrong direction.

It appears the bus collided with the diesel tank of the tipper, leading to the fire outbreak.

The bus driver reported that the steering malfunctioned, causing him to lose control and crash into the tipper. The SP mentioned that this account is currently under investigation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock over the tragic accident, conversing with officials to gather information about the incident. He instructed district authorities to ensure optimal medical care for the injured.

The Chief Minister also called for a comprehensive investigation into the accident and asked for a detailed report.

Transport Minister Manipalli Ramprasad Reddy conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for excellent treatment for those injured.