A devastating collision between a passenger bus and a concrete mixer truck has claimed at least 21 lives in India's southern Telangana state, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in the region this year.
The horrific crash occurred near the town of Chevalla, approximately 60 kilometres from Hyderabad, when the two vehicles collided head-on in a catastrophic impact that left emergency services scrambling to the scene.
Scene of devastation
Local authorities reported that the force of the collision was so severe that the bus sustained massive structural damage, making rescue operations extremely challenging. The concrete mixer truck, laden with heavy building materials, struck the bus with tremendous force along a highway known for heavy commercial traffic.
Emergency response teams worked tirelessly through the night to extract survivors from the wreckage. Ambulances rushed the injured to nearby medical facilities, with many victims reported to be in critical condition.
Growing road safety crisis
This tragedy highlights India's ongoing struggle with road safety, where poor infrastructure, vehicle overcrowding, and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations contribute to one of the world's highest rates of traffic fatalities.
Just last year, India recorded over 150,000 deaths from road accidents, with many occurring on highways similar to where Tuesday's disaster took place.
Government response
Telangana state officials have announced an immediate investigation into the crash, while the national government has pledged to review safety measures on highways across the country. Compensation has been promised to the families of those killed and injured in the collision.
This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades throughout India's rapidly expanding transport network.
