16 Dead, 8 Injured in Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway Crash
In a devastating road accident near Hyderabad, at least 16 people died and eight others were injured when a speeding truck collided head-on with a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) bus early this morning. The crash occurred on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway near Ibrahimpatnam, leaving the region in shock.
Details of the Accident
The collision happened around 5:30 AM when the TSRTC bus, traveling from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, was struck by an overloaded truck moving in the opposite direction. Eyewitnesses said the truck driver lost control while overtaking another vehicle, causing a catastrophic impact that mangled the bus’s front section and trapped passengers.
Local police and emergency teams arrived swiftly, with locals aiding rescue efforts. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad, where some remain in critical condition.
Victims and Official Response
Among the 16 fatalities were 12 bus passengers, the driver, and three others. Most victims were daily commuters and laborers.
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for the deceased’s families and free treatment for the injured. The transport department has ordered a high-level probe.
Road Safety Concerns Revisited
The tragedy underscores India’s persistent road safety crisis, especially on highways plagued by reckless driving and weak traffic enforcement. The Hyderabad-Vijayawada stretch has seen multiple fatal accidents, sparking demands for stricter speed limits and better infrastructure.
Activists urge improved driver training, harsher penalties for violations, and highway redesigns. While the Telangana government vows action, past measures have lacked follow-through.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
“The crash was deafening. We tried helping, but many were gone,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local who assisted in rescues. Another witness, Sridevi, recalled, “The bus was ripped apart—people screamed for help. A nightmare.”
Investigation Underway
Authorities are probing whether the truck driver was drunk or if vehicle failure played a role. The driver, who survived, is in custody. TSRTC pledged compensation and support for affected families.
Final Thoughts
As condolences pour in, systemic road safety reforms remain critical. For now, grieving families and the injured bear the brunt of this avoidable tragedy.
NextMinuteNews will update this story as details emerge.
