At least nine people travelling by a Guntur-bound APSRTC bus were killed, while 20 others were injured when it collided with a lorry and later crashed into the cement boulders at Yanamadala village on the NH-5, in Guntur on Sunday evening. The death toll could mount as some passengers are in a critical condition at Katuri Medical College Hospital.

While eight passengers died on the spot, China Venkata Ramanamma succumbed to the injuries at the Government General Hospital. Identification of the mangled remains of the bodies was difficult. According to DSP V. Ratna, the incident took place as the lorry heading towards Chilakaluripet suddenly veered to the right after the right front tyre went flat. The driver was unable to control the vehicle and even as the lorry turned right. The bus then overturned and crashed into a pair of cement boulders on the roadside.

Published Date : Monday, 21/3/2011 2:55 PM IST