The reports said that 21 people died in the accident. The dead comprised seven men, including the RTC bus driver Dastagiri and the lorry driver, 12 women and one child. Several passengers suffered serious injuries and three are still in critical condition.
Soon, police reached the accident site and initiated relief operations with the help of three JCB machines. They removed the gravel and pulled out the passengers who were trapped in it. The injured were shifted to Chevella Government Hospital for treatment. The authorities suspect the death toll might increase as the rescue operation is still underway.
The RTC bus, bearing registration number TS 34 TA 6354, was going to Hyderabad from Tandur. It had left Tandur at 4:40 AM. The bus was carrying approximately 72 passengers, including some students and employees who were commuting to Hyderabad to attend college and go to work, respectively. Many passengers had gone to their hometowns during the weekend and were returning to the city.
The accident caused a huge traffic congestion on the Hyderabad–Bijapur Highway and Chevella–Vikarabad route. Several vehicles were stuck as the rescue teams removed the debris and managed the scene.
So far, the police teams have rescued 15 passengers, including the bus conductor Radha, who was injured in the accident and was admitted to the hospital. During the rescue operation, Chevella Circle Inspector Bhupal Sridhar sustained a leg injury when a JCB accidentally ran over him. He was immediately shifted to Chevella Hospital for medical attention.
