A devastating accident near Mirzaguda village in Chevella mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana, claimed the lives of 20 people and injured several others when a gravel-laden tipper truck collided head-on with a TSRTC bus carrying around 70 passengers.
The crash happened early Monday morning on the Hyderabad–Bijapur National Highway. The truck reportedly lost control while speeding on a curve, spilling gravel that crushed passengers inside the bus. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy ordered immediate rescue, relief, and evacuation of the critically injured to Hyderabad for advanced medical care. Prime Minister’s office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.
Crash Details and Rescue Efforts
The bus, belonging to the Tandur RTC depot, was headed to Hyderabad with mostly students and office-goers returning after a Sunday holiday. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene, with passengers trapped under twisted metal and gravel debris, many crying for help.
Rescue crews, supported by local villagers, used JCB machines to clear the wreckage and extricate survivors. Emergency teams rushed injured passengers to Chevella Government Hospital and other Hyderabad facilities, with the critically injured receiving special attention. The accident caused a massive traffic jam on the busy highway, complicating rescue operations.
Officials’ Response and Investigation
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow and directed senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, to personally oversee relief and medical efforts. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar ensured TGSRTC’s full cooperation in rescue operations, while the district collector deployed extra ambulances and medical personnel.
“I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. The government will support their families in every possible way and stand by them. We are taking war-footing measures to provide better medical assistance to the injured. I have spoken with the State Chief Secretary and the State DGP on this matter. I have instructed that the injured be shifted to Hyderabad for better medical treatment. I have directed the Collector, local MLAs, and Transport Minister Sri Ponnam Prabhakar to visit the accident site and oversee relief measures,” said CM Reddy in a post on X.
Police have registered a case and are investigating causes, with preliminary reports indicating the truck’s over-speeding and driving on the wrong side as likely factors. The casualty list includes drivers of both vehicles and a ten-month-old infant with her mother, highlighting the tragedy’s scale.
Ministers and leaders have expressed shock and condolences to the families of victims and injured. “It is extremely heartbreaking that more than 17 passengers lost their lives in a road accident that occurred at Khanapur Stage in Chevella Mandal, Ranga Reddy District. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I express profound shock at the severe injuries sustained by several people,” said KTR on X.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic incident reiterates the urgent need for rigorous road safety enforcement, driver accountability, and improved emergency response on India’s highways.
The Logical Indian advocates ensuring safe travel for all, especially public transport passengers, through policy reforms and public awareness campaigns. Through empathy and proactive governance, such disasters can be reduced, saving precious lives.
