In a tragic incident on Monday morning, at least 20 people lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries when a truck carrying gravel rammed into an RTC bus near Mirjaguda, Chevella in Rangareddy district, Telangana.
According to Chevella ACP B. Kishan, the RTC bus was on its route from Tandur to Chevella when the speeding truck, laden with gravel, collided head-on. “As of now, we can confirm that 16 people, including the truck driver and several bus passengers, have died,” the ACP said.
Collision Impact: Gravel Load Crushed Passengers
As per Rajendranagar DCP Yogesh Goutam, the truck was travelling in the wrong lane when it collided with the bus. “We are verifying if the truck driver was overtaking or driving in the wrong direction,” he said.
The Bijapur highway, where the crash occurred, witnessed chaos as the truck’s gravel load spilled onto the bus, trapping passengers inside. Rescue teams immediately began operations to remove the bodies and injured, while traffic was diverted on both sides of the highway.
CM Revanth Reddy Orders Emergency Relief Measures
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow over the devastating accident. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Telangana CMO said the CM instructed officials to rush to the spot and initiate relief operations.
Revanth Reddy directed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and DGP Shivadhar Reddy to shift all the injured to Hyderabad for advanced treatment. He also ordered special medical arrangements at Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals, emphasizing that saving lives is the top priority.
The CM held phone discussions with senior officials, instructing that adequate ambulances, medical staff, and emergency teams be deployed immediately at the accident site.
Minister Sridhar Babu Reviews Rescue Operations
IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu also expressed anguish over the tragic incident. Upon receiving the news, he alerted the district collector, police, and health officials, directing them to personally supervise rescue and relief efforts.
He held a teleconference with authorities to review the situation and instructed that the best possible treatment be provided to the injured. The minister also urged officials to keep families informed about the condition of the victims and reassure them that the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Announces Ex-Gratia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, calling it “deeply saddening.” In a post shared by the PMO, he offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The PM announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the Rangareddy district road accident.
Investigation Underway
Police have cordoned off the accident site and are investigating whether driver negligence or mechanical failure led to the collision. Chevella Police confirmed that a detailed report will be shared soon.
Meanwhile, rescue and medical teams continue their efforts to ensure timely aid to survivors as Telangana mourns one of its deadliest road accidents in recent years.
