By At least nine tourists lost their lives and more than 20 others were injured in a horrific road accident early on Friday, 12 December 2025, when a private travel bus plunged into a deep gorge in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. The tragedy unfolded on the treacherous Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road near Rajugarimetta turn, a route that winds through dense forest and hilly terrain.
The ill-fated bus was carrying a group of pilgrims and tourists, many of whom were returning from the Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana and were heading toward Annavaram in Andhra Pradesh. The accident occurred in the early hours, making rescue operations particularly challenging due to darkness, rough terrain, and limited mobile network coverage in the area.
Details of the Accident
According to initial reports, the private bus lost control while navigating a sharp curve on the ghat road. Local officials and eyewitnesses indicated that foggy conditions, reduced visibility, and possibly high speed may have contributed to the driver’s inability to negotiate the bend safely, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into the gorge.
The accident site near Rajugari Mettu Malupu is known for its steep drop-offs and narrow road sections, especially in the early morning hours when fog and mist often shroud the landscape. Rescue teams, including police, local volunteers, and medical personnel, rushed to the scene after villagers and passersby alerted authorities.
Casualties and Injuries
Officials confirmed that at least nine people died on the spot, while more than 20 others sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious. The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals, including facilities in Chinturu and Bhadrachalam, for urgent medical care. Several of those critically hurt were later shifted to larger medical centres for advanced treatment.
Most of the victims were residents of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, and many were senior citizens who had embarked on the pilgrimage together. As of now, authorities are still assessing whether the death toll could rise further as recovery efforts continue amid difficult terrain and ongoing rescue operations.
Pilgrimage Journey Turned Tragic
The bus passengers were part of a group on a religious pilgrimage — a common tradition in many parts of South India, particularly during the winter travel season when devotees visit sacred sites such as Bhadrachalam and Annavaram. These long journeys, often involving overnight travel on winding ghat roads, can pose significant safety risks, especially under poor weather conditions.
Local villagers reported hearing a loud screech before the bus plunged into the valley, and many rushed to help pull survivors from the wreckage. Rescue teams later had to use ropes, stretchers, and vehicles equipped for rugged terrain to retrieve the injured and bodies from the deep gorge.
Response From Authorities
The Alluri Sitarama Raju district officials and police department have launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Preliminary statements suggest that adverse weather conditions — including dense fog and reduced visibility — might have played a key role. However, officials are also examining whether road conditions, vehicle speed, or driver fatigue contributed to this tragic incident.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the loss of lives. In a statement issued on Friday morning, he directed senior officials to ensure a swift and coordinated rescue operation, provide the best possible medical care for the injured, and offer all necessary support to the families of the deceased.
The Andhra Pradesh Home Minister and other senior leaders also reached the accident site to oversee relief efforts and personally inspect the condition of the survivors. Emergency services, including ambulances and police vehicles, were deployed in full force throughout the morning.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts were hindered by terrain difficulties, limited communication networks, and the remoteness of the crash site. Many parts of the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road lack proper cellular coverage, which delayed the initial reporting of the accident and the mobilization of emergency services.
Local residents and forest officials actively assisted the police and medical teams, highlighting a strong community response amid chaos. The combination of steep slopes, rocky surfaces, and early morning darkness made the task of evacuating injured passengers slower and more complex than usual.
Public Reaction and Road Safety Concerns
The tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety on ghat sections in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states. Many travellers and road safety activists point to the need for better signage, speed restrictions, regular maintenance, and driver awareness programs to avoid such catastrophic events — especially during peak pilgrimage and tourist seasons.
In recent years, Andhra Pradesh has recorded a significant number of road accidents, many involving buses carrying tourists or pilgrims along hilly routes. State authorities have occasionally introduced measures such as speed governors on public transport vehicles, road safety audits, and night travel restrictions on certain stretches, but challenges persist due to geography and heavy traffic. AP7AM
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, officials have pledged to review safety protocols for ghat road travel, including stricter enforcement of traffic rules, mandatory rest periods for drivers, and improving road engineering features such as guardrails and warning systems. Attention will also likely focus on weather advisories and advisories for travellers planning long road journeys under adverse conditions.
For the families of the nine deceased and dozens of injured passengers, this horrific accident is an unimaginable loss. The focus now remains on ensuring survivors receive timely care and support, while authorities work to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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