Telangana Tragedy – Bus Collides with Truck on Hyderabad–Bijapur Highway

A devastating road accident shook Telangana on Monday morning, as a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus collided head-on with a gravel-laden tipper truck on the Hyderabad–Bijapur highway near Chevella in Ranga Reddy district. The impact was so severe that the bus was completely mangled, and passengers were trapped under debris.

According to reports from The Times of India, NDTV, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and other outlets, the death toll has climbed to 20, while several others remain critically injured and are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals, including Chevella Community Health Centre and Hyderabad’s Osmania Hospital.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

Eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports indicate that the tipper truck was driving on the wrong side of the road at high speed when it rammed into the RTC bus traveling from Vikarabad to Hyderabad.
The collision occurred around 6:30 AM, at a sharp turn near Chevella, a route known for heavy truck movement due to ongoing construction and mining activities.

The impact crushed the front portion of both vehicles, leaving passengers trapped inside. Local residents and emergency teams rushed to the spot to assist in rescue operations.

Rescue and Relief Operations

Rescue teams, including police, firefighters, and local volunteers, worked relentlessly to pull survivors and bodies from the wreckage. The Telangana Disaster Response Force (TDRF) was also deployed.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has ordered urgent relief and medical assistance, directing officials to shift all injured passengers to Hyderabad for advanced treatment.

CM Revanth Reddy’s Statement:

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. I have directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care. The families of victims will be supported with all possible help.”

Condolences and Reactions from Leaders

Political leaders across parties have expressed grief over the tragic accident.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund).

• Telangana CM Revanth Reddy personally reviewed the situation and visited the accident site.

• BRS Chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), TDP President Chandrababu Naidu, and Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan extended condolences and called for stricter road safety measures.

• BJP MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar termed the accident “deeply painful” and demanded an inquiry into road design flaws.

Eyewitness Accounts

Several survivors and bystanders recounted the horrifying moments following the collision.

“There was a loud explosion-like sound, and the bus shattered into pieces. We heard screams for help,” said a local resident from Chevella.
Videos circulated on social media show cries for help, broken glass, and bodies being pulled from twisted metal, evoking nationwide sorrow.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a detailed probe into the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggest:

• The truck was overloaded with gravel, affecting its braking capacity.

• Driver negligence and overspeeding played a major role.

• Poor road lighting and lack of dividers may have worsened the situation.

Officials are also verifying the truck’s registration and insurance records. The driver is believed to have fled the scene, and a manhunt is underway.

Frequent Accidents on Telangana Highways

This accident is a grim reminder of repeated fatal crashes in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad regions, particularly involving tippers carrying construction material.
As highlighted by Telugu360, the rise in tipper-related accidents is alarming, and urgent road safety reforms are needed.

Experts suggest:

• Stricter regulation of overloaded vehicles

• Installation of road dividers and speed cameras

• 24x7 patrolling and better driver training programs

Public Outrage and Local Protests

Following the tragedy, locals protested against the visit of a local MLA at the crash site, accusing officials of neglecting road safety measures despite repeated complaints.
Residents demanded speed barriers and better signage along the Hyderabad–Bijapur stretch, known for poor visibility and heavy truck traffic.

Nation Mourns the Loss

Social media has been flooded with messages of sorrow and solidarity. Hashtags like #TelanganaAccident and #ChevellaTragedy are trending, as citizens demand accountability and better highway management.

Conclusion

The Chevella bus-truck collision stands as one of the deadliest accidents in Telangana in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for road safety awareness and stricter transport regulations.
As families mourn their loved ones, the state and central governments are under pressure to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

🕯️ Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Authorities have urged citizens to report reckless driving and cooperate with ongoing rescue and relief measures.