#BreakingNews: 17 Dead in Gravel Truck–Bus Collision in Telangana, Dozens Hurt
Gruesome highway collision leaves survivors trapped.
A heavily loaded gravel truck traveling at high speed violently rammed into a crowded passenger bus on the Hyderabad–Bijapur Highway in Ranga Reddy district early Sunday morning, claiming at least 17 lives and leaving dozens injured in a scene of utter devastation. The bus, carrying approximately 70 passengers on a routine journey, had its front section completely crushed upon impact, with twisted metal and shattered glass trapping many inside. Several victims were buried beneath the spilled gravel stones, complicating rescue efforts as screams echoed across the highway. Eyewitnesses described a deafening crash followed by chaos, with passengers flung from seats and emergency calls flooding local authorities.
Local police, fire services, and medical teams raced to the accident site near Chevella, battling mangled wreckage to extract survivors using cutting tools and heavy machinery. The injured, many in critical condition with fractures, head trauma, and internal bleeding, were rushed to Chevella Government Hospital and nearby facilities for urgent treatment. Blood donation drives began spontaneously as hospitals appealed for supplies. Police have cordoned off the area, seized both vehicles, and launched a detailed investigation into potential causes—ranging from reckless driving and overloading to poor road visibility or mechanical faults in either vehicle.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy voiced deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, immediately directing top district officials to reach the spot and coordinate comprehensive relief measures. He emphasized real-time monitoring of rescue operations, ensuring no resource shortages hindered efforts, and extended condolences to bereaved families. The CM also ordered an inquiry into highway safety protocols, signaling potential policy reviews to prevent future disasters. His swift response underscored the state government’s commitment to accountability and victim support.
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Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar held urgent talks with RTC Managing Director Nagi Reddy to pinpoint the accident’s root cause, focusing on driver compliance, vehicle maintenance, and load regulations. He instructed the Ranga Reddy District Collector to personally oversee medical care for the injured, guaranteeing free treatment and specialist referrals if needed. Prabhakar dispatched senior RTC officials to the crash site to supervise rescue, relief distribution, and family liaison, while promising compensation announcements soon.
As grief-stricken families gather at hospitals and morgues, this catastrophic collision exposes glaring gaps in India’s road safety framework—despite recent campaigns. With highways carrying increasing heavy traffic, calls grow louder for stricter enforcement of speed limits, mandatory rest for drivers, and advanced vehicle tracking. The Ranga Reddy tragedy serves as a grim reminder that without systemic reforms, such preventable losses will continue haunting the nation.
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