14 Passengers ‘Burned Alive’ After Bus Bursts into Flames in Head-on Collision with Truck

A horrific crash in India turned into a deadly fireball early Thursday, leaving at least 14 people dead and dozens more hurt after a private bus slammed into a gravel-loaded tipper truck, according to local officials and reports.

The devastating accident happened in Markapuram, in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, during the early hours of March 26. Officials said the bus had been traveling from Nirmal in Telangana to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh when disaster struck.

And what happened next was even more terrifying.

Within minutes of the collision, the bus burst into flames, trapping passengers inside as fire and smoke quickly swallowed the vehicle. Authorities said several victims were burned alive in the blaze, turning the crash scene into a nightmare.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said he was shocked by the tragedy and expressed deep grief over the loss of life. His office said he immediately spoke with officials, gathered details, and ordered a full investigation into what caused the deadly crash.

The bus reportedly belonged to Harikrishna Travels.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene, while local residents also jumped in to help pull survivors from the wreckage. Images from the aftermath showed both vehicles badly burned, with thick smoke and flames rising from the road.

The number of victims shifted as officials worked to piece together the chaos.

Early reports said 13 people died at the scene, while later updates put the death toll at 14. Authorities also said at least 28 others were injured, though some reports listed slightly different numbers as rescue efforts continued.

Officials said 41 passengers were believed to have been on the bus. Of the injured, several were taken to a government hospital in Markapuram, and some were reported to be in critical condition. The most seriously hurt victims were expected to be transferred to a larger hospital in Guntur for advanced treatment.

The truck driver was also injured and taken to the hospital.