A tragic accident near Tirupati claimed three lives as a tempo carrying pilgrims from Karnataka collided with an RTC bus. Injured shifted to SVRR Hospital.

Tragic Road Accident Near Tirupati: Three Pilgrims From Karnataka Killed as Tempo Collides With RTC Bus

Tirupati, August 19, 2025: In a tragic road mishap on the Tirupati–Chittoor highway, three devotees from Karnataka lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a tempo carrying pilgrims collided head-on with an APSRTC bus early Tuesday morning.

Accident Details

According to police officials, the accident occurred around 5:30 AM near Madanapalle Cross Road, when the private tempo carrying about 12 pilgrims from Ballari district, Karnataka, was on its way to Tirupati for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while overtaking, leading to a direct collision with a state-run RTC bus coming from Tirupati.

The impact was so severe that three passengers in the tempo died on the spot, while others suffered multiple injuries. The bus passengers escaped with minor injuries.

Casualties and Injuries

• Deceased: Three pilgrims from Ballari, Karnataka.
• Injured: At least nine passengers, including women and children, were shifted to SVRR Government Hospital, Tirupati. Doctors stated that the condition of two of them remains critical.

Response and Rescue Operations

Local police, with the help of bystanders, rushed to the accident site and carried out rescue operations. Ambulances were pressed into service immediately. The injured were provided first aid at a nearby primary health centre before being shifted to Tirupati for further treatment.

TTD officials expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured necessary assistance.

Police Statement

The Chandragiri Circle Police have registered a case and are investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary inquiry points to rash driving and overtaking on a narrow stretch as the main reason. Police have appealed to all pilgrims to avoid night and early morning private vehicle travel on the busy highway.

Pilgrim Safety Advisory

Authorities have once again urged devotees traveling to Tirupati:

• Prefer APSRTC’s official Tirumala services for safety.
• Avoid overcrowded private tempos and vans.
• Use seat belts wherever available.
• Plan journeys during daytime hours to minimize risks.

Eyewitness Account

An eyewitness traveling in the RTC bus said, “The tempo suddenly swerved into our lane. The crash was unavoidable. The sound was terrifying, and within seconds, people were screaming for help.”

Background

The Tirupati–Chittoor highway has been witnessing a rise in accidents due to increasing pilgrim traffic, overtaking on curves, and usage of private vans that often exceed seating capacity. Authorities are considering stricter monitoring and speed control systems on this stretch.

The accident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of road safety, especially for devotees rushing to Tirupati for darshan. While the administration is working on infrastructure and safety measures, pilgrims are advised to travel cautiously and prioritize official transport facilities.

Om Namo Venkatesaya 🙏