A private tourist bus carrying 43 pilgrims travelling to the Velankanni Church in Tamil Nadu met with an accident early on Thursday near Chintareddypalem in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.According to police officials, the bus was moving along the national highway when it reportedly hit a roadside railing and overturned at around 3.10 a.m.

The vehicle was transporting a group of devotees from Gudipadu village in Eluru district, along with two drivers and two cooks who were part of the travel arrangement.As a result of the accident, 16 passengers were injured.Among them, three people were critically injured, while 13 others sustained minor injuries.Additionally, two passengers suffered fractures and a young boy sustained a head injury.All the injured were shifted to Medicover Hospital in Nellore for treatment and are currently under medical supervision.Police officials from Nellore North traffic station stated that the accident occurred due to alleged negligence by the driver.Since the driver himself was injured, he could not be questioned immediately.His blood samples were collected to check whether he was under the influence of alcohol or any other substance at the time of the incident.

Authorities further confirmed that the bus had 43 occupants at the time of the crash, all of whom were part of a pilgrimage group heading to Velankanni Mata Church.

The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is ongoing, and officials are examining road conditions, driver behaviour, and mechanical aspects of the vehicle to determine responsibility.