16 Killed, 8 Injured in Telangana Highway Horror
In a devastating pre-dawn accident, a speeding tipper truck collided head-on with a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus on the Hyderabad-Bijapur highway, killing 16 passengers and injuring 8 others. The crash near Rajanna-Sircilla district has reignited demands for urgent highway safety reforms.
Hyderabad-Bijapur Highway Crash: What Happened?
The collision occurred around 5:30 AM when the RTC bus, carrying over 40 passengers from Hyderabad to Bijapur, was rammed by the tipper truck traveling in the opposite lane. Eyewitnesses described the impact as “explosive,” with the bus dragged meters before overturning.
- Casualties: The dead include 14 adults and 2 children; survivors with critical injuries were rushed to hospitals in Sircilla and Hyderabad.
- Rescue Chaos: Debris trapped passengers, delaying evacuation despite rapid response by locals and emergency teams.
Why Did the Accident Happen?
Preliminary investigations point to:
1. Overspeeding by the tipper truck driver (now in police custody).
2. Foggy conditions reducing visibility.
3. Missing highway dividers on the accident-prone stretch.
Unverified reports suggest brake failure in the truck, though officials await forensic analysis.
Telangana CM Announces Compensation, Opposition Blames Govt
- CM Revanth Reddy pledged ₹5 lakh compensation for each victim’s family and free treatment for the injured.
- BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao criticized the government’s “negligence,” citing recurring accidents on the highway due to poor infrastructure.
Survivors’ Trauma & Families’ Anguish
Passenger Ramesh Kumar, who escaped with fractures, recalled: “The truck came like a missile. I heard screams but couldn’t help others trapped under seats.”
Heartbreaking scenes unfolded at hospitals as relatives identified bodies, many blaming authorities for “preventable” lapses.
Hyderabad-Bijapur Highway: A Death Trap?
This crash adds to a grim tally on the route, criticized for:
✔ Lack of rumble strips and streetlights
✔ Weak traffic policing
✔ Frequent overloading by commercial vehicles
Next Steps: Probe & Safety Overhaul
- NHAI and Telangana police will jointly investigate.
- Transport department to launch checks on speeding trucks and buses.
The Bottom Line: As Telangana mourns, experts stress better road design, stricter speed limits, and driver training to avert future tragedies.
(Reported by [Your Name], The Times of India)
