Markapuram Bus Accident: Bodies of Victims Handed Over to Families

Families of the victims are yet to recover from the grief caused by the tragic road accident near Rayavaram, close to Markapuram in Prakasam district. The process of scientifically identifying 14 victims , who were burnt beyond recognition, concluded on Saturday. After confirmation through DNA tests , the police handed over the bodies to their family members. The hospital premises echoed with heart-rending cries during the handover.

The accident occurred in the early hours of March 26 , when a private travel bus rammed into a tipper lorry loaded with concrete chips. A total of 14 persons, including a five-month-old infant , lost their lives in the incident. As the bodies were completely charred, identification was initially impossible. Following directions from State Medical and Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav , forensic teams took up the task. Experts from the Guntur Regional Forensic Science Laboratory collected samples from 22 blood relatives and conducted DNA analysis. With the results released on Friday night, the bodies were transported to the victims’ native places in ambulances under police escort from Saturday morning.

No Steering Jam, Negligence to Blame

Meanwhile, the preliminary police investigation has revealed shocking details. Technical experts confirmed that, contrary to the driver’s claim, there was no “steering jam.” According to District SP Raju , the driver was speeding and veered the bus into the wrong direction, crashing into the tipper lorry carrying concrete chips, which triggered a massive fire within seconds .

Eyewitnesses also stated that the bus had mechanical issues prior to the accident and had remained halted for nearly an hour at Yerragondapalem. Despite passengers alerting the driver, he allegedly ignored the warnings .

Condition of Injured Stable

Doctors said that the condition of 22 injured persons , who are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Ongole and Markapuram, is currently stable . Two victims have undergone leg surgeries , and those who have recovered will be discharged in phases. The State government has assured full support to the families of the deceased and the injured.