News Brief
24 Dead As Truck Crashes Into Passenger Bus In Telangana’s Ranga Reddy; PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia
Front of RTC Bus Mangled as Lorry Rams in Ranga Reddy (X)
At least 24 people died and several others were injured when a speeding lorry carrying a heavy load rammed into a Telangana Road Transport Corporation (RTC) bus in Ranga Reddy district on Monday morning (3 November).
The collision caused gravel from the truck to fall onto the bus, crushing the front portion and trapping multiple passengers. Both the RTC bus driver and the lorry driver died on the spot, reported The New Indian Express.
Rescue teams and local police rushed to the accident site, using earthmovers to free those trapped under the debris. The injured were first admitted to Chevella Government Hospital, while critically wounded patients were later shifted to Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals, where Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had ordered special arrangements.
Following his instructions, the Chief Secretary alerted all concerned departments and set up a control room at the Secretariat to monitor the situation.
Chief Minister Reddy expressed deep shock and sorrow, directing officials to immediately reach the site and implement relief measures and to also keep him updated on the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences, tweeting, “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Citizens can contact the control room at 9912919545 or 9440854433 for assistance.
The accident in Telangana comes soon after a bus tragedy in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, in which 19 passengers in an AC sleeper bus were killed. As per the police, the deaths were caused when a drunk biker’s motorcycle skidded, got dragged nearly 200 meters under a sleeper bus, and ignited a fuel fire. Both the bus driver and the biker’s pillion survived, and police have filed cases for rash and negligent driving.
