Ranga Reddy: At least 19 people lost their lives and four others sustained injuries after a gravel-loaded tipper lorry crashed head-on into a state-run bus in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district early Monday morning, police confirmed.
The horrific accident occurred near Chevella when the tipper, reportedly speeding, collided with a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus traveling from Tandur to Hyderabad. The impact was so severe that the lorry’s gravel spilled onto the bus, trapping several passengers inside.
Among the dead were 10 women, including the bus driver, authorities said. “We are still trying to determine the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the crash,” a senior police officer stated. Rescue teams used cranes and earthmovers to pull passengers from the mangled remains of the vehicle.
The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment, while officials said many survivors were in shock and unable to recount details of the incident.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and instructed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and Director General of Police Anjani Kumar to oversee rescue and relief operations personally. He also directed that the injured be transported to Hyderabad for specialized medical care.
The Chief Minister further asked cabinet ministers to visit the site and ensure that all possible assistance was extended to the victims’ families.
Visuals from the scene showed rescue personnel and locals working tirelessly to clear debris and retrieve passengers trapped under the crushed bus. Authorities said a detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident and whether negligence or overspeeding played a role.
The incident has sparked widespread grief across the state, with condolences pouring in for the victims and their families.
