Nine people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries after a private bus carrying 35 passengers overturned and tumbled into a deep gorge on the Chinturu–Bhadrachalam ghat road in Andhra Pradesh early on Friday. The tragic crash took place around 5.30 am near Tulasipakalu village, a stretch known for sharp curves and limited visibility at dawn.
Officials said the bus, reportedly from Chittoor district, was returning with a group of tourists who had just visited the Bhadrachalam temple. The passengers were travelling towards Annavaram when the vehicle suddenly veered off the road, broke past the edge and plunged into the valley.
ASR District Collector Dinesh Kumar confirmed the casualty numbers, stating, “Nine casualties have been reported. The injured have been shifted to Bhadrachalam Hospital for treatment.” Seven of the injured were initially admitted to the Community Health Centre in Chintur, nearly 15 kilometres from the accident spot, for first aid and stabilisation. They were later transferred once their condition allowed further movement.