Three persons were killed and seven others injured after an APSRTC bus rammed into a stationary lorry at Sri Nagar Junction under the Gajuwaka police station limits in Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Sunday.

The deceased were identified as R. Rambabu (50) of Salur, R. Radha Madhavi (35) and L. Eswaramma (55), both residents of Rajahmundry.

According to the Gajuwaka Traffic Police, the accident occurred around 4 a.m. when a coal-laden lorry, which had developed a tyre puncture, was parked on the roadside near Sri Nagar Junction. The APSRTC Super Luxury bus, carrying about 35 passengers and travelling from Rajahmundry to Parvathipuram, allegedly crashed into the rear of the vehicle.

The impact was severe, killing the bus co-driver and two passengers on the spot. Seven injured passengers were shifted to King George Hospital (KGH), where they are undergoing treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicated that overspeeding and negligent driving by the bus driver led to the accident. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy expressed grief over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased, including the APSRTC co-driver and the two women passengers. He directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured passengers and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the accident.

Home Minister V. Anitha and Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu also expressed their condolences.

Mr. Ramprasad Reddy, accompanied by Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao, visited KGH and interacted with the injured passengers. They assured them of all necessary assistance from the government. Mr. Srinivasa Rao also enquired with doctors about their treatment.

District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore visited the hospital and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He assured them of all necessary support from the State government.

APSRTC chairman Konakalla Narayana Rao also expressed grief over the accident and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He reviewed the circumstances leading to the mishap with APSRTC officials and instructed them to take measures to prevent similar incidents in future.

Reiterating APSRTC’s commitment to passenger safety, Mr. Narayana Rao said the corporation would continue to strengthen safety measures and provide safe, secure and reliable transport services to the travelling public.