Markapuram: At least 13 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus caught fire following a collision with a tipper truck in Andhra Pradesh’s Markapuram district on Thursday, police said.

According to preliminary reports, the private bus rammed into a gravel-laden tipper, triggering a massive fire within minutes of the impact. The blaze spread rapidly, trapping several passengers inside the vehicle.

Earlier, officials had reported eight deaths, but the toll has since risen to 13 as rescue operations continued at the accident site. Around 18 injured passengers were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment for burn injuries.

Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nagraju said efforts are ongoing to gather complete details and identify victims.

“Nearly eight people were burnt alive, and about 18 injured persons have been rescued so far and shifted to the hospital. Efforts are on to gather complete details of the incident," Markapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nagraju told a TV channel.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.