Ministers express shock over Rayavaram accident; relief measures stepped up

Home Minister Anitha on Thursday expressed deep shock over the horrific road accident at Rayavaram near Markapuram in the morning, and conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families.

On learning about the incident, the Minister rushed from Vijayawada to the accident site. She reviewed the situation with district officials, including the Collector and Superintendent of Police, and called for stringent safety measures to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.

Later, Ms. Anitha, along with Transport, Youth, and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, visited the injured at the Markapuram Government Hospital. They enquired about the victims’ condition with doctors and assured all necessary support from the government.

Roads and Buildings Minister B. C. Janardhan Reddy described the incident as “extremely unfortunate,” expressing anguish over reports that several victims were burnt alive. He directed officials to intensify relief and rescue operations.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana, after speaking to district authorities, was informed that many victims hailed from SPSR Nellore district. He instructed officials to ensure better medical care for the injured.

Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy ordered a thorough probe into the causes of the accident and sought a detailed report, while stressing the need for stricter safety enforcement.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar termed the loss of lives “heartbreaking.” He reviewed the situation with officials and local MLA Kandula Narayana Reddy, directing that the injured be shifted promptly to hospitals and provided the best treatment.

Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said the tragedy had “deeply shaken” him, noting that several passengers were charred to death. He conveyed his condolences and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.