A devastating road accident in India’s southern state of Telangana has claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The tragedy occurred when a bus collided with a motorcycle, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.
According to local reports, the accident took place late Thursday night near the town of Miryalguda. The flames spread rapidly, leaving passengers trapped inside the burning bus. Rescue teams and firefighters rushed to the scene but faced difficulties due to the intensity of the blaze.
Authorities confirmed that most victims were burned beyond recognition, while several others sustained serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact number of injured passengers remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses said the bus caught fire immediately after the collision, giving passengers little time to escape. “The fire spread so fast that we couldn’t even approach the vehicle,” a local resident told reporters.
Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with initial findings suggesting a fuel leak might have intensified the flames. Police have also been tasked with identifying the victims and notifying their families.
This incident has reignited concerns over road safety standards and emergency response in India, where fatal accidents remain alarmingly frequent. Experts note that poor vehicle maintenance and overcrowding are major factors contributing to such tragedies.
In recent weeks, the Indian government has focused heavily on improving public infrastructure and transport safety. However, accidents like these continue to highlight deep systemic issues. In a related development, India recently approved $9 billion in defense deals, aiming to boost national security and technological advancement yet critics argue that road safety and public welfare deserve equal urgency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. State officials have announced compensation for the deceased and promised a full investigation.
The Telangana tragedy serves as another grim reminder of the urgent need for road safety reforms across India, where thousands lose their lives in preventable accidents each year.
