Kurnool, April 16 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool bus accident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the grieving families.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “The mishap in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is deeply painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the PMO added.

The accident occurred when a Bolero vehicle carrying pilgrims collided with a ready-mix lorry, resulting in a devastating impact that left multiple passengers trapped and severely injured.

According to officials, a total of eight people died in the accident. Five victims were declared dead at the spot, while three others later succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a nearby hospital.

Around 10 to 12 individuals were injured in the mishap. The injured were promptly shifted to the Emmiganur hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment, officials added.

Authorities confirmed that the initial information suggests that the deceased were pilgrims from Karnataka who had travelled to visit the Mantralayam temple and were returning when the accident took place.

Police teams rushed to the scene immediately after receiving information about the collision and launched rescue and relief operations. Efforts were made to evacuate the injured and clear the wreckage from the site, according to the officials.

A case was registered in connection with the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Officials said further details are awaited as the probe progresses, and more information emerges regarding the circumstances leading to the collision.

This comes close on the heels of a bus accident that killed six pilgrims in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib.

According to the officials, at least six people were killed, and around 20 were injured as the bus carrying devotees overturned in Fatehgarh Sahib while returning from Anandpur Sahib on Tuesday.

The injured included women and children. They were immediately admitted to nearby hospitals, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

The bus, with around 40 people on board, was returning from Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district after paying obeisance on the occasion of Baisakhi when it developed a snag.

–IANS

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