In Nellore, a tragic incident unfolded when a truck collided with a school bus on NH-16 near Kavali, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to seven students and teachers. The bus, owned by RSR Educational Institutions, was transporting 37 individuals, including students, teachers, the driver, and the cleaner, identified as D Chinna Malakondaiah (60), who tragically lost his life.
According to Kavali Traffic DSP M Venkata Ramana, the accident occurred as the bus was turning towards the school when a truck coming from behind crashed into it, causing the bus to overturn. Prompt action from bystanders allowed the injured to be quickly taken to a nearby hospital in Kavali, where concerned parents soon arrived after hearing about the accident.
Police swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and initiate an investigation. The overturned bus obstructed the road until it was cleared to restore traffic flow. The deceased cleaner's body was transferred to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
The driver of the truck fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle. Authorities seized the truck and have registered a case regarding the incident, as stated by Venkata Ramana.
After the tragic accident involving a school bus and a lorry near Kavali, Human Resources Development Minister Nara Lokesh expressed his concern on Twitter, stating, "The incident of a lorry hitting a school bus near Kavali today has left me deeply worried. Sadly, a cleaner died in the accident. The authorities have been ordered to provide immediate better treatment to the children injured in the accident. School managements should keep their buses in condition and be vigilant about the fitness of the buses."
Meanwhile, Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy also reacted with shock to the incident, describing the death of the cleaner as heartbreaking. He expressed serious concern for the injured children and assured government assistance for the affected family. Additionally, the MP pledged increased medical support for the students who sustained injuries in the accident.