20 dead in head-on collision between truck, bus in Telangana, PMO announces aid

TELANGANA, NOV 3 : At least 20 people were killed and several others injured in a horrific road accident near Khanapur Gate in Chevella mandal of Rangareddy district on Monday morning, after a speeding truck driving on the wrong side of the road crashed head-on into a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus carrying about 70 passengers.

The collision, which occurred under the Cyberabad Commissionerate limits, was so severe that many passengers died on the spot. The mangled remains of both vehicles were strewn across the road, while panicked survivors and locals tried to rescue those trapped inside the wreckage.

RESCUE AND RELIEF EFFORTS

Emergency response teams, assisted by locals, rushed to the scene and began pulling out survivors. The injured were shifted to hospitals in Chevella and Hyderabad, including Osmania and Gandhi hospitals, where special arrangements have been made for treatment. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Traffic movement on the Hyderabad–Bijapur highway was disrupted for several hours as police and disaster teams carried out rescue operations.

POLICE CONFIRM MULTIPLE CASUALTIES

The Chevella Police confirmed that they reached the site soon after the crash and are investigating the cause of the accident.

“A road accident occurred between a TGSRTC bus and a truck near Khanapur Gate, under the Chevella police station limits in Rangareddy district. Several passengers are injured, and more details are yet to be known. This incident happened early this morning. We reached the spot, and more details will be provided later,” police officials said.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the CM directed the Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to personally monitor rescue and medical efforts, and ensure all injured are shifted to Hyderabad for advanced treatment.

He also instructed the District Collector to intensify relief measures and treat the situation as a “health emergency.”

“CM Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the road accident that took place in Chevella mandal of Rangareddy district. The CM instructed officials to immediately reach the spot and take necessary relief measures. The CM ordered that the complete details of the accident be informed from time to time. The Chief Minister has ordered the Chief Secretary and DGP to immediately evacuate all those injured in the bus accident to Hyderabad and make arrangements to provide them with better medical treatment. The CM has asked the available ministers to immediately reach the accident site,” CMO said on X.

Special medical teams have been deployed, and additional ambulances rushed to the site. Hospitals have been placed on high alert to prioritise the treatment of critical patients.

 “The loss of lives due to a mishap in the Rangareddy district of Telangana is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the PM said on X.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) also expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy. In a message shared by the party’s PRO, he said, “BRS Chief KCR expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic accident near Mirjaguda in Chevella mandal of Ranga Reddy district, where 17 people lost their lives after an RTC bus collided with a tipper. He condoled the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. KCR urged the government to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased and ensure the best medical treatment for the injured passengers. He expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased.”

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and instructed officials to extend all possible assistance to the victims and their families. He also directed that the injured receive the best possible medical care and ordered an inquiry into the cause of the accident.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also conveyed his condolences. “The Chevella bus accident is deeply shocking. I am deeply shocked to learn that 17 people have died in a horrific road accident that took place near Chevella in Telangana state after a gravel lorry hit an RTC bus. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I urge the Telangana state government to provide better medical services to the injured,” Kalyan said.

Union Minister and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar also reacted on X, urging the state government to extend immediate assistance while assuring central support during the crisis. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic road accident involving an RTC bus and a tipper lorry on the Hyderabad–Bijapur highway in Mirzaguda, Chevella, Rangareddy district, which left many dead and several others seriously injured. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Urge the Telangana Government to provide immediate relief and assistance to the victims. Central Government will also extend support during this difficult time,” he wrote on X.

-PTI