New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared financial support for the victims of a devastating bus accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district, where at least eight pilgrims tragically lost their lives. In a statement shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, he conveyed profound sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the grieving families. “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to this bus mishap in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those affected and their families during this challenging time. I am praying for the swift recovery of the injured,” the PMO remarked.

The Prime Minister also sanctioned an ex gratia payment from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). “An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be allocated to the next of kin of each deceased individual. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000,” he stated, promising assistance to the families impacted by this tragedy.

The accident took place during the early hours of Friday on the Chintur-Naredumilli ghat road, notorious for its sharp curves and challenging terrain.

Initial reports indicate that a private travel bus, carrying 37 individuals, including two drivers, plunged into a steep gorge after the driver allegedly misjudged a sharp turn. The vehicle reportedly collided with a safety wall before tumbling into the valley.

All passengers were pilgrims from Chittoor district, journeying to the Annavaram temple in Kakinada district after visiting the revered Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana.

The remote location of the accident complicated rescue operations. Due to a lack of mobile network connectivity in the area, news of the accident reached the Mothugunta police only after a considerable delay.

Upon receiving the alert, police teams promptly arrived at the scene and initiated a comprehensive rescue operation. Eight bodies were recovered, and the injured were transported to a hospital in Chintur. Five police vehicles and three ambulances were dispatched to ensure rapid evacuation and medical assistance.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock over the incident and urgently sought updates from officials. He directed the administration to guarantee the best possible care for the injured and to provide necessary support to the families of the victims.