In Andhra Pradesh, 14 persons including 12 students died and 47 others were injured when a State-owned Road Transport Corporation Bus fell in a ravine near Penukonda in Ananthapur District. State Information and Public Relations Minister P. Raghunadha Reddy told AIR Correspondent that 15 severely injured including 8 more students have been rushed to various hospitals in Hindupur, Puttaparthy and Bengaluru.

Local Police said the ordinary passenger bus of the APSRTC, which was going to Penukonda from Madakasira slipped into the gorge while trying to give way to an Autorikshaw coming from the opposite direction at a curve. They said the road was narrowed down due to the ongoing road widening works.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed three ministers including Road Transport Minister S Raghava Rao to rush to the site to monitor relief activities. He directed district authorities to ensure medical assistance to the injured.

He also announced 5 lakh rupees to each of the families of those who died and two lakh rupees assistance to each who severely injured. The District authorities have opened a special cell at the District Collectorate with toll free number 18004256401.

11 persons injured in the Penukonda accident are admitted to NIMHANS hospital in Bengaluru. The transport minister in the state Ramalinga Reddy visited the hospital and assured of all medical help to the patients. Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah has assured all help to the injured in the accident. The Andhra Pradesh minister for Information and IT Raghunath Reddy will be arriving in Bengaluru to meet the accident victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief on the unfortunate bus accident in Anantpur of Andhra Pradesh. In a tweet, Mr Modi extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.