Driver, Owner Arrested In Markapuram Bus Tragedy: 14 Burnt Alive After Repeated Breakdowns Ignored
The bus reportedly broke down at least three times due to sensor and engine issues
Nellore: In a shocking case of negligence, Markapuram district police have arrested the driver and owner of a private travel bus after a horrific accident that claimed 14 lives and left 29 injured. Investigators revealed that the ill-fated bus suffered multiple breakdowns during the journey, but was still forced to continue.
The case (Crime No. 22/2026) relates to the accident on March 26 at around 5.40 a.m. near Rayavaram village on NH-565, at a dangerous curve near an under-construction medical college. The Hari Krishna Travels bus (AR20 D 0487), carrying 44 passengers including two children, was travelling from Jagtial to Kaligiri.
Police said the driver, 21-year-old Pandem Yuvaraju, had no valid driving license and was earlier working as a cleaner. Despite this, the bus owner, Pappana Haribabu alias Hari Krishna, allegedly appointed him as driver to save costs.
During the journey, the bus reportedly broke down at least three times due to sensor and engine issues. Each time, the driver informed the owner, who instructed him to carry out temporary repairs and continue, citing the lack of mechanics or alternative buses at night. The route was even diverted towards Yerragondapalem on the owner’s advice.
At the Yerragondapalem toll plaza, the bus suffered another breakdown and was repaired again. Passengers reportedly questioned the driver, who assured them the owner was on the way. However, instead of halting operations, the journey continued.
Police said that in a bid to reach Kaligiri before another breakdown, the driver sped recklessly. As the bus approached a sharp downhill curve near Rayavaram, it veered to the right and collided with an oncoming tipper (AP 39 UC 5265). The impact ruptured the tipper’s diesel tank, spilling fuel that instantly ignited.
Within moments, flames engulfed the bus. While some passengers managed to escape by breaking windows and jumping out, 14 were burnt alive inside the vehicle.
Investigations concluded that both the driver and owner were fully aware of the bad condition of the bus but chose to risk passengers’ lives. Acting on credible information, police arrested both accused near Rayavaram railway bridge under sections 105, 125(A), and 125(B) of BNS.
Following the accident, police, fire services, and highway authorities rushed to the spot and rescued several passengers. District SP V. Harshavardhan Raju lauded the swift response of rescue teams.
