Dense Fog Blamed as Devotee Bus Crashes in Andhra Pradesh 9 Dead

December 12, 2025: A pilgrimage turned into a nightmare in the early hours of Friday morning when a private bus, carrying a group of devotees, plunged partially into a ravine on the winding Chintoor-Maredumilli ghat road. The tragic accident, primarily attributed to extremely dense fog and poor visibility, has claimed the lives of nine people and left 22 others injured.

Details of the Accident

The mishap occurred around 4:30 AM on the treacherous ghat road stretch in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district. The bus was transporting a group of approximately 37 passengers, including two drivers, who were on a pilgrimage from Chittoor district to the famous Sri Rama temple in Bhadrachalam, Telangana.

Police officials indicated that the driver likely failed to spot a sharp curve on the road amidst the thick blanket of fog, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The bus overturned and was stopped from falling completely into the valley by getting stuck on the hillside near a local Durga temple. This obstruction is believed to have prevented a much higher casualty count.

Rescue Operations and Critical Condition

Immediately following the accident, emergency services and local authorities rushed to the remote spot. Rescue operations were challenging due to the mountainous terrain and the continued low visibility. The nine casualties were reportedly confirmed at the scene.

Among the 22 injured passengers, four are said to be in critical condition and have been shifted to various hospitals, including facilities in Chintoor, Rampachodavram, and Bhadrachalam, for urgent medical attention. Six of the pilgrims miraculously managed to escape the wreckage unharmed.

Leaders Express Grief and Announce Relief

The tragic loss of life has drawn immediate response from top political leaders. Both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the bereaved families.

Prime Minister Modi also announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed shock, directing district officials to ensure the best possible medical aid and assistance is provided to all affected individuals.

A Focus on Road Safety

The accident once again highlights the inherent dangers of driving on ghat roads, especially in the winter months when dense fog is common. Authorities have previously issued advisories urging drivers to use only low beam lights and maintain extreme caution on foggy and misty roads.

As the state government continues to provide support to the victims and their families, a thorough investigation into the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash is underway. The focus remains on identifying the victims and ensuring the long-term recovery of the injured.