Two women died and three other pilgrims suffered injuries in the Tirupati ambulance accident that struck a group of devotees walking to Tirumala early on Monday, 6 January 2025. A 108 ambulance ran into the pilgrims near Narsinghpuram in Chandragiri mandal. The road there carries hundreds of devotees on foot each day toward the Sri Venkateswara temple. Police suspect dense early-morning fog played a part, and an investigation followed. 
Tirupati ambulance accident: what happened at a glance
- When: Early morning, Monday, 6 January 2025.
- Where: Near Narsinghpuram, Chandragiri mandal, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Vehicle: A 108 emergency ambulance carrying a patient from Madanapalle to Ruia hospital in Tirupati.
- Victims: A group of pilgrims walking from the Punganur side toward the Tirumala hill temple.
- Toll: Two women killed; three others injured and shifted to Ruia Government General Hospital.
- Case: Chandragiri police booked a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
How the Tirupati ambulance accident happened
The ambulance was travelling from Madanapalle to Tirupati in the early hours. Visibility on the route was poor. Near Narsinghpuram, it hit a group of devotees who were walking along the road toward Tirumala. The impact killed two of them, and it left others badly hurt. A video from a local news portal showed damage to the front bumper on the co-passenger side of the vehicle. Because the crash happened before dawn, several pilgrims were on the road in low light. Many devotees set out early for the hill climb during the cooler months, so foot traffic builds up well before sunrise.
Who were the victims?
The two women who died were named as Pedda Reddamma, aged 40, and Lakshmamma, aged 45. Both came from Champalapalli village in Ramapuram mandal of Annamayya district, according to ABP News. They were walking in a group toward the temple when the ambulance struck them from behind. Emergency teams rushed three injured pilgrims to Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati. Some accounts put the number of injured higher than three. The final figure may become clear only once the police complete their record.
What caused the Tirupati ambulance accident?
Police suspected dense fog as a major factor, although the exact cause remained under investigation. Tirupati Superintendent of Police L. Subba Rayudu said fog could explain the early-morning crash. Early reports also questioned the vehicle’s condition, yet officials confirmed no single cause at the time. Chandragiri police booked a case under Section 106(1) of the BNS, which covers causing death by negligence. Because visibility was poor, officers weighed whether fog, road conditions, or driver error led to the collision. You can read more about TTD and the temple routes on the official Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams portal.
Police and TTD response after the Tirupati ambulance accident
Local police and emergency teams reached the site quickly, and they moved the injured to hospital. The Superintendent of Police urged walking pilgrims to keep to the edge of the road. He also asked them to stay alert in fog and darkness. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams manages the temple and its footpaths. It has long said that it works to improve pedestrian safety on the routes during busy and festival periods. This crash was not an isolated one either, as a later road accident near Tirupati that killed three Karnataka pilgrims renewed the same safety concerns. Devotees, meanwhile, voiced worry about how exposed foot pilgrims can be where ambulances and other vehicles share the same road. For district-level updates, readers can follow the Andhra Pradesh government through its official state portal.
Why the Tirumala foot routes carry real risk
Thousands of devotees walk to Tirumala each week, and many start before sunrise to finish the climb in cooler hours. During winter, thick fog settles over the Chandragiri and Alipiri stretches. Drivers often cannot see people on the road until the last moment. That mix of early-morning walkers and moving traffic is exactly what turned deadly here. TTD has since tightened its safety measures on the Alipiri and Srivari Mettu footpaths, including restricted walking hours.
Safety notes for pilgrims walking to Tirumala
If you plan the walk, a few precautions genuinely help. Keep well to the side of the road, and walk in single file where the shoulder is narrow. Wear light or reflective clothing before dawn, so drivers can spot you in fog. Elderly walkers and those with health conditions should carry water and any medication. They should also pause if the climb feels too demanding. Our guide to the Tirumala footpath routes covers what to carry and how to plan the trek. None of this shifts blame onto the victims, because it simply echoes the advice police themselves gave after the crash.
The bottom line
The Tirupati ambulance accident of January 2025 was a stark reminder. The same roads that carry emergency vehicles also carry foot pilgrims, often in poor light. Two families lost women who had set out on a journey of faith. For the latest on the investigation and any official safety measures, follow updates from the district police and TTD through their official channels.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Tirupati ambulance accident happen?
It happened in the early morning of Monday, 6 January 2025, near Narsinghpuram in Chandragiri mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
How many people died in the Tirupati ambulance accident?
Two women died, and three other pilgrims suffered injuries. The women were named as Pedda Reddamma (40) and Lakshmamma (45) from Annamayya district.
What caused the crash?
Police suspected dense early-morning fog and poor visibility. The exact cause stayed under investigation, while a case went on record under Section 106(1) of the BNS.
Where were the pilgrims going?
They were walking toward the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala, heading from the Punganur side, when the 108 ambulance struck them.
Where were the injured treated?
Emergency teams took the injured pilgrims to Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati.
Is it safe to walk to Tirumala?
Huge numbers of devotees use the footpath safely, yet walkers should stay to the roadside, remain visible in fog and darkness, and follow police safety advice on shared road stretches.
