In a horrific road accident in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana at least 20 people were killed and several others sustained injuries when a gravel-laden lorry collided head-on with a state-run RTC bus on Monday morning, police said.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation bus, carrying around 70 passengers, was en route to Hyderabad when the accident occurred near Mirzaguda village in Chevella mandal. The truck, coming from the opposite direction, rammed into the bus with such force that its gravel load toppled onto the vehicle, trapping many passengers inside.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as heart-wrenching, with passengers screaming for help as locals and rescue teams rushed to assist. Among the deceased were both drivers, 10 women, and a 10-month-old infant along with its mother, officials confirmed. The condition of some injured person is critical.
Telangana Bus Accident: Massive Rescue Operation Launched
Emergency response teams quickly reached the site and began a large-scale rescue operation using three JCB excavators to remove debris and extract passengers trapped inside the mangled bus. The injured were immediately shifted to the Chevella Government Hospital, while those in critical condition were referred to hospitals in Hyderabad for advanced treatment.
A senior police official from Chevella stated that 15 passengers, including bus conductor Radha, were rescued alive. During the operation, Chevella Circle Inspector Bhupal Sridhar suffered an injury to his left leg after being struck by a JCB and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Orders Immediate Action
Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy to ensure immediate rescue and relief measures. He also instructed that all injured be shifted to Hyderabad for better medical care without delay.
In a statement, the Chief Minister ordered district authorities to intensify relief efforts and personally oversee rescue operations. During a telephonic review with top officials, he emphasized deploying adequate ambulances, emergency medical teams, and paramedical staff at the site to save as many lives as possible.
Cause of the Accident Under Investigation
Preliminary police reports suggest overspeeding and loss of control by the truck driver as the likely cause of the collision. The impact brought traffic on the Hyderabad–Bijapur highway to a standstill, with long queues of vehicles reported along the Chevella–Vikarabad route. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.