Telangana bus-truck collision: Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao says free bus rides for women, overcrowding led to deadly accident killing 20

HYDERABAD: Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao on Monday stated that the accident, which killed 20 people and injured several others, occurred due to the provision of free rides for women, as buses are now carrying a significantly larger number of passengers.“An accident occurred between a truck and a bus. After women were given free rides, they are travelling in large numbers on buses,” said Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao, expressing his grief over the tragic incident in Rangareddy district, Telangana. He added, “I express my deepest condolences to the families. The government should announce compensation. Such accidents are occurring due to speeding, and the government and police must take action, including issuing challans, to prevent further incidents.” The remarks came after a devastating road accident near Mirjaguda, Chevella, on Monday, in which a truck carrying a load of gravel collided head-on with an RTC bus. The accident claimed at least 20 lives and left several others injured. Rao highlighted the rising passenger load on buses following the introduction of free rides for women, suggesting that overcrowding, combined with speeding, may be contributing factors in such accidents. He urged the authorities to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.Earlier, Telangana CMO posted on X, "CM Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the road accident that took place in Chevella mandal of Rangareddy district. The CM instructed the officials to immediately reach the spot and take necessary relief measures. The CM ordered that the complete details of the accident be informed from time to time. The Chief Minister has ordered the CS and DGP to immediately evacuate all those injured in the bus accident to Hyderabad and make arrangements to provide them with better medical treatment. The CM has asked the available ministers to immediately reach the accident site."PM Modi announces ex-gratia for victimsPM Narendra Modi announces an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the Rangareddy district road accident in Telangana.PMO tweets, "The loss of lives due to a mishap in the Rangareddy district of Telangana is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."