Three people were killed and 10 others are in a critical condition after an overspeeding private Volvo bus hit a lorry near Maddurupadu of Nellore District in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Thursday.

According to reporters, the driver of the Volvo was drowsy, and lost control of the speeding bus, which was heading from Vizag to Bengaluru. Around 50 passengers were on board the bus.

The three deceased have been identified as Praneeth Kumar (20) from Vijayawada, Ramadasu (57) from Vizag and Suryakumari (60) from Rajamahendravaram.

Several others passengers have been injured in the accident, and at least 10 of them are said to be critical. They are being treated at a government hospital nearby. They were rescued by local residents and police who rushed to the spot after the accident.

"While five people who were critical were shifted to the Nellore government hospital, the rest with minor injuries are being treated in a local hospital,” Kavali Rural Sub Inspector told TNM.

The private bus reportedly belongs to Orange Travels.

Speaking to local media, passengers who escaped unhurt said, “It was completely the driver’s fault. He was drowsy and over speeding. Several people warned him before we met with the accident to drive properly, but he refused to listen.”

Another passenger said, "It is completely the driver’s negligence that claimed three innocent lives.”

Soon after accident the driver of the bus fled the scene fearing consequences.

A case has been registered against the bus driver under relevant sections.