At least 14 people were killed and 23 injured after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and burst into flames in Markapuram district on Thursday, police said.

The bus caught fire, leaving several passengers trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Markapuram Superintendent of Police (SP) V Harshavardhan Raju said, "Fourteen people died in the accident and 23 injured persons have been shifted to hospital, including the driver. Efforts are on to gather complete details of the incident."

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound shock and grief over the loss of lives.

“Honourable Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the road accident that occurred near Rayavaram in Markapuram district. He conveyed profound grief over several passengers in the bus being burned alive in the incident where a tipper collided with a private travel bus. He directed officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident and submit a report,” said CMO Andhra Pradesh in a post on X.

The private travel bus was heading to Kaligiri in Nellore district from Jagityal in Telangana, with around 35 passengers on board when the incident occurred.

The tipper driver also sustained injuries in the accident and has been hospitalised.

The CM spoke to officials to ensure that the injured were receiving adequate medical assistance.

He directed officials to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of the accident and submit a report.