NEW DELHI: Six passengers, including five women, were killed and about 20 others injured when a private bus collided with a truck on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway in Telangana’s Suryapet district early Wednesday (Aug 26).
The crash occurred near Kodad while the bus was travelling from Hyderabad towards Vijayawada and Eluru. Several injured passengers were taken to hospitals in the area, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Six passengers died at the scene
The force of the collision severely damaged the front of the bus. Six passengers died at the scene.
Police, emergency personnel and local residents launched rescue operations and helped remove passengers from the damaged vehicle.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, including the government hospital in Kodad. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations.
Three of those killed were identified as Y Chinni, 32, B Mary Joshna, 29, and Chennakeshavulu Nagendrababu, 21.
Authorities were working to establish the identities of the other victims.
Police investigate cause of Suryapet bus crash
The collision occurred in the early hours when the private bus struck the truck from behind.
Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. A final cause has not yet been announced.
The crash temporarily disrupted traffic on the highway as emergency teams carried out rescue work and cleared the damaged vehicles.
Revanth Reddy orders medical care for injured
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families.
He directed Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju to ensure that the injured received the best available medical treatment.
Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao called for immediate compensation for the families of those killed and proper treatment for the injured.
He also urged the state government to strengthen road-safety measures.
Congress leader V Hanumanth Rao called for stricter action against speeding and increased deployment of traffic police on highways.
Andhra Pradesh minister calls for tighter bus-safety checks
Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for quality treatment for those injured.
He said there should be no compromise on safety standards in private buses or driver alertness.
The minister asked transport officials to strengthen monitoring and ensure compliance with road-safety regulations. - The Statesman/ANN
