A group of passengers in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district experienced a terrifying ordeal on Tuesday when an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus veered off a narrow roadway, nearly plunging into a deep roadside ditch. The incident occurred near the village of Markapuram, raising immediate concerns regarding the safety of rural transport infrastructure.
Mechanical Failure or Narrow Lanes?
The APSRTC bus, which was reportedly carrying dozens of commuters at the time of the accident, was navigating a particularly constricted stretch of road. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver lost control after attempting to maneuver through a tight bend. While official investigations are still underway, eyewitnesses indicated that the lack of proper shoulder space and the deteriorating condition of the tarmac may have contributed significantly to the vehicle skidding toward the embankment.
Fortunately, the bus did not overturn completely. It came to a precarious halt at the very edge of the road, leaning heavily toward the adjacent low-lying fields. This stability allowed the passengers and the conductor to evacuate the vehicle through the emergency exits and the main door without any major injuries being reported.
Panic and Swift Evacuation
Witnesses described a scene of temporary chaos as the bus began to tilt. “There was a sudden jolt and then the bus started leaning. We weren’t sure if it was going to roll over,” said one passenger who escaped the vehicle. Following the incident, local villagers rushed to the spot to assist the occupants, helping elderly passengers and children disembark safely from the lopsided cabin.
Calls for Infrastructure Reform
This mishap has reignited a debate among the local populace regarding the safety of district roads. Residents have frequently voiced grievances about the “norrow and neglected” state of the arteries connecting Markapuram to surrounding towns. Local activists are now calling on the transport department and the Public Works Department (PWD) to broaden these high-traffic routes to prevent potential tragedies.
The APSRTC has dispatched recovery vehicles to the scene to winch the bus back onto the road. An official from the corporation stated that a departmental inquiry would be conducted to determine if mechanical failure or driver negligence played a role in the accident. For now, the passengers have been accommodated on alternative services to complete their journeys.
