A devastating road accident in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district has claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left several others injured. The tragic mishap occurred early Monday morning when a speeding tipper lorry carrying gravel collided head-on with a Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus. The impact of the crash was so severe that the front portion of the bus was completely mangled, while the gravel from the truck spilled over the bus, trapping many passengers inside. The horrifying visuals from the site depict a scene of destruction and chaos, as rescue teams battled to save lives amid twisted metal and debris.
According to officials, the accident took place near Chevella in Ranga Reddy district. Both the RTC bus driver and the lorry driver were killed on the spot, along with several passengers sitting in the front rows of the bus. Local authorities immediately launched rescue operations, using earthmovers to remove the gravel and cut open parts of the vehicle to reach trapped passengers. Fire department personnel, police teams, and emergency medical units were deployed swiftly to the scene as the state reeled under the shock of one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years.
Survivors recounted the harrowing moments of the collision, describing how they were jolted awake by a thunderous crash and found themselves buried under gravel. Many of them managed to escape through broken windows, while others were pulled out by rescuers. The injured were rushed to the Chevella Government Hospital for immediate treatment, with those in critical condition later being shifted to Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals in Hyderabad for advanced medical care. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of those killed.
The Horrific Collision in Ranga Reddy
Eyewitnesses and officials confirmed that the collision took place when the speeding lorry lost control and rammed directly into the RTC bus. The lorry was reportedly overloaded with gravel, which spilled over the bus upon impact, crushing the front portion and trapping passengers inside. The accident occurred on a stretch of road known for heavy vehicular movement and narrow lanes, making it a high-risk zone for head-on collisions. Police have cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation to determine whether overspeeding, fatigue, or mechanical failure led to the crash.
Images from the site show the extent of the destruction. The front half of the bus was completely flattened, while shattered glass and metal fragments littered the road. Fire department personnel worked tirelessly for hours to rescue those buried under the gravel. According to officials, it took several earthmovers and cranes to clear the debris before the bodies could be retrieved. The wreckage has since been removed, but the scene remains under police supervision as investigators gather evidence.
Government’s Immediate Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and immediately convened an emergency meeting with senior officials to oversee the rescue and relief operations. He instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with district authorities and establish a control room at the Secretariat to monitor the situation in real time. The Chief Minister also directed hospitals to provide free treatment to all the injured and announced compensation for affected families. “This is an unfortunate and heartbreaking incident. Every possible measure is being taken to ensure the victims and their families receive immediate support,” he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences and expressed grief over the tragedy. In a message shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “My thoughts are with the affected families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident. The gesture has been welcomed by citizens across the country as a show of solidarity during this tragic time.
Voices from the Ground: Survivors and Witness Accounts
Among the few survivors, one passenger shared his chilling experience of how he narrowly escaped death. He said he was dozing in his seat when he felt a sudden jolt followed by a deafening crash. “There was a loud noise, and the next moment I was half-buried in gravel. People were screaming. I managed to open a window and climb out. Many sitting near the driver were crushed instantly,” he recounted to reporters. His account underscores the sheer force of the collision and the near-impossible survival chances for those in the front section of the bus.
Another survivor, seated behind the conductor, said he and six others broke the window panes to escape the mangled bus. The area soon filled with locals who rushed to help before rescue teams arrived. “It was chaos everywhere. People were crying, calling for help. We tried to save as many as we could,” said a villager from a nearby hamlet. Medical officials at the Chevella Hospital said that most victims suffered multiple fractures, severe head trauma, and internal injuries. Emergency care was provided on-site before shifting the critically injured to larger hospitals in Hyderabad.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Operations
Rescue operations began within minutes of the accident being reported. Firefighters and police teams faced immense difficulty due to the heavy gravel that had spilled across the bus. Using cranes, excavators, and hydraulic cutters, they managed to pull out several trapped passengers. Chevella Inspector Sridhar, who was part of the rescue team, sustained minor injuries after an excavator accidentally ran over his leg during the operation. Despite the risk, personnel continued to work under challenging conditions to ensure no victim was left behind.
The district administration deployed additional ambulances and medical staff to nearby hospitals. A temporary helpline was set up for families seeking information about their loved ones. The control room numbers released by officials are 9912919545 and 9440854433. The swift response from the local community, combined with state and national support, helped in expediting the relief process, though the scale of devastation remains unimaginable.
Calls for Stricter Safety Measures
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.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 3, 2025
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be…
This tragic accident has reignited discussions around road safety in India, particularly concerning overloaded vehicles and driver fatigue. Experts point out that the lack of strict enforcement of road safety regulations continues to cause preventable deaths across the country. The Ranga Reddy crash highlights the urgent need for improved vehicle inspections, better road infrastructure, and stricter penalties for overloading and overspeeding. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has ordered an inquiry into the causes of the crash and directed officials to review safety protocols for both public and private transport vehicles.
“We must ensure that such incidents do not repeat. Drivers should be educated about the consequences of negligence, and enforcement agencies must be more vigilant,” said a senior transport official. The minister also instructed the RTC Managing Director, Nagi Reddy, to visit the site and report back with findings. The government is expected to implement new safety measures following the completion of the inquiry.
Nationwide Mourning and Public Reaction
The nation has reacted with grief and outrage to the Ranga Reddy tragedy. Political leaders across parties have expressed condolences, while social media has been flooded with messages mourning the victims. Candlelight vigils are being organized in several parts of Telangana, with citizens demanding better road safety laws and accountability for transport operators. The Chief Minister has promised strict action if negligence or regulatory failure is found to be the cause of the crash.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing relief to the victims’ families and ensuring the injured receive the best possible care. The accident has once again underscored the fragility of life on India’s highways, where reckless driving and poor enforcement continue to claim thousands of lives each year. For the families who lost their loved ones in Ranga Reddy, the road to healing will be long, but the hope is that this tragedy serves as a wake-up call for lasting reform in road transport safety.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Tragedy
The Ranga Reddy bus-truck collision stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to prioritize road safety and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in India. With 24 lives lost and dozens injured, the tragedy has left a permanent scar on the hearts of many. While condolences and financial aid offer some relief, the true tribute to the victims will be systemic changes that prevent such accidents from recurring. Strengthening vehicle monitoring systems, ensuring driver rest periods, and improving road infrastructure are essential steps forward.
For now, Telangana mourns its lost citizens, and the nation stands united in grief. The images of the mangled bus, the relentless rescue teams, and the heartbroken families serve as haunting symbols of the price paid for negligence. As authorities work to bring justice and accountability, the people hope that the lessons from this tragedy lead to safer roads and stronger preventive measures in the future.
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Harshit Raj
