Nine tourists killed as travel bus rams into gorge in Papikonda National Park

As many as nine tourists were killed on the spot while three survived with severe injuries when a private travel bus, in which 35 tourists were travelling, rammed into an obstacle in the forest in Papikonda National Park near Tulasipaka village in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. All the tourists belong to Chittoor district.

The incident occurred at around 4 a.m., on Friday (December 12, 2025) reportedly due to poor visibility when the tourists were on their way from Araku Valley. The tourists are scheduled to arrive Bhadhachalam on Friday (December 12, 2025) morning.

The Alluri Sitarama Raju Superintendent of Police office has confirmed, "Nine tourists have died on the spot. The rescue operation is on".

The Maredumilli and Chintoor police are engaged in the rescue operation.