In a tragic incident that shook commuters and residents alike, a private travel bus heading from Bengaluru to Hyderabad met with a severe accident in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The mishap occurred near Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, on the National Highway (NH-44) — one of the busiest routes connecting the two southern metros.
The Accident
According to reports from the local police, the bus, operated by a private travel company, was carrying around 45 passengers when it lost control and overturned after colliding with a divider. The incident occurred around 3:30 AM, when most passengers were asleep. Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud crashing sound followed by screams from inside the bus.
Initial investigations suggest that the driver may have dozed off at the wheel or was trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle, leading to the loss of control. The bus, which started from Bengaluru late Monday night, was expected to reach Hyderabad early Tuesday morning.
Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, at least six people lost their lives on the spot, while more than 25 others sustained serious injuries. The injured passengers were immediately rushed to Kurnool Government Hospital and nearby private hospitals by the rescue teams and local residents.
Rescue operations were conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Police and personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, who reached the site within minutes after being informed. The police used cutters and other equipment to pull out trapped passengers from the mangled remains of the bus.
District officials confirmed that among the deceased were two women and one child, while the identities of the others are being verified. Several passengers are said to be in critical condition, and authorities have expressed concerns that the death toll may rise.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local villagers, who were among the first to reach the accident site, described the scene as horrific. One eyewitness said, “The bus was lying on its side, and many passengers were screaming for help. We broke open the windows to rescue those trapped inside. It was a terrifying sight.”
Another witness added that the accident could have been even worse had it not been for the quick response of nearby truck drivers and locals who immediately stopped to help the victims.
Possible Causes
Authorities are investigating multiple angles, including driver fatigue, over-speeding, and poor visibility due to fog during the early hours. Some reports also suggest that the bus might have been moving at high speed in an attempt to make up for a delayed departure from Bengaluru.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus driver, who also suffered serious injuries, might have briefly dozed off before the vehicle hit the divider. Mechanical failure is not being ruled out either, as officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have been called to examine the wreckage.
Government Response
The Chief Ministers of both Karnataka and Telangana expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims. They also directed the respective state transport and police departments to provide all possible assistance to those affected.
The Andhra Pradesh government announced an ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and assured that medical expenses for the injured would be fully covered. Local MLAs and district officials visited the hospital to meet the injured passengers and oversee relief measures.
Safety Concerns on the Route
The Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway is one of South India’s busiest travel corridors, used by hundreds of buses every night. Unfortunately, this route has witnessed several major accidents in recent years, often linked to over-speeding and driver fatigue.
Experts have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of night-time driving limits, installation of more speed cameras, and mandatory rest breaks for long-distance bus drivers. Passenger safety advocates are also calling for better maintenance checks and monitoring of private travel companies operating on intercity routes.
Aftermath and Appeal
Families of the victims have been devastated by the tragedy. Many passengers were believed to be IT professionals, students, and workers returning to Hyderabad after the weekend. Helplines have been set up by the police and transport authorities to help families trace their loved ones.
As investigations continue, this tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety, driver alertness, and strict adherence to transport regulations. While authorities work to determine the exact cause, the loss of innocent lives once again highlights the urgent need to improve long-distance travel safety in India.
