Tragic Bus Crash Claims 50 Lives on a Southern Indian Highway
A dreamy pilgrimage turned into a nightmare when an 80‑person bus plunged into a valley near the revered Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy temple in Telangana. The crash left fifty souls lost to the jagged hills, making it one of the worst road mishaps in recent memory.
Why It Happens: Poor Roads & Speedy Drivers
- India sees over 150,000 road fatalities yearly.
- Old, cracked roads and poorly maintained vehicles are the main culprits.
- Reckless acceleration—especially on sharp bends—often seals the fate.
The bus was making its way back from the temple on a steep, treacherous mountain road. A slick stretch and a corner too tight led the driver to lose control and go off the roadway.
What the Scene Looked Like
- Broken glass, worn-out slippers, and scattered luggage littered the valley floor.
- Local residents, armed with makeshift ropes, bravely pulled survivors from the twisted wreck.
- Rescuers had to climb the mangled bus, while others attempted to reach the front—now a shattered wreckage.
G. Narendhar, a local official, confirmed that most of the victims were women, with a handful of children among them. Meanwhile, B. Rajesham explained that bodies were being transported to hospitals for autopsy.
What the Media Reported
NDTV quoted witnesses saying the driver was speeding; the Hindu newspaper added that the bus careened off a sharp corner.
State Response
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao expressed deep shock and announced a ₹500,000 (around $7,000) stipend for each bereaved family.
Context: A Day of Devotion Gone Wrong
Tuesday is considered an auspicious day for Hindus, leading to a massive influx of devotees at the temple. Unfortunately, the surge added to the bus’s already precarious journey.
Other Recent Tragic Road Incidents
- July 28: A bus carrying university staff veered off a mountain road in western India, killing 33.
- Same month: Another overcrowded bus took 48 lives in a Himalayan gorge in northern India.
These episodes underscore the daunting challenge of road safety in India’s tough terrain and the urgent need for better infrastructure and stricter driving regulations.
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