A tragic road accident in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitarama Raju district has claimed the lives of nine people, leaving families in shock and raising renewed concerns about the safety of the region's perilous ghat roads. Early Friday morning, a bus carrying 35 passengers, along with two drivers and a cleaner, lost control while negotiating a sharp curve near Tulasipakalu village. The bus veered off the winding, forested Chintur-Bhadrachalam ghat road and tumbled down a steep ravine, trapping many inside. Reports indicate that the driver struggled with the tight turn, a section notorious for hairpin bends and poor visibility, especially in the early hours before dawn.

Rescue operations involved local police, forest officials, and ambulances, who navigated the difficult terrain to reach survivors. Seven injured passengers were initially treated at Chintur's Community Health Centre, around 15 kilometers away, before being transferred to Bhadrachalam for more advanced medical care, with some in critical condition. The remote location and limited network coverage prolonged the rescue efforts, underscoring the challenges of responding quickly in such areas.

Authorities expressed deep concern over the incident. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prioritize medical aid and relief measures, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced ex-gratia payments from the PM National Relief Fund—₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. These buses often transport locals and pilgrims between temples like Bhadrachalam, highlighting the risks that persist on pilgrimage routes.

Ghat roads in India are notoriously dangerous, with similar accidents occurring in Uttarakhand and Kerala’s Western Ghats. Sharp curves, overloaded vehicles, unfamiliar drivers, and poor weather conditions contribute to frequent accidents. Experts advocate for improved road signage, speed governors, and regular safety audits, while travelers are urged to use licensed operators and avoid traveling on such routes in low-light conditions to reduce risks.