Nearly 20 Injured in Nagarkurnool Bus Accident

Even before the people of the state have recovered from the shock of the Kondagattu bus accident on Tuesday, which claimed the lives of 52 persons, another bus accident took place today in Bijnepally mandal in Nagarkurnool district, injuring over 20 persons.

The only solace is that there have been no fatalities this time, though five of the injured are in critical conditions.

An overcrowded TSRTC bus belonging to the Yadagirigutta depot went off the road after its two front wheels burst, causing the injuries.

The accident took place near Vattem village this morning, with around 100 passengers travelling in the bus which was going to Wanaparthy. Both the front wheels of the bus burst, pushing the bus off the road. As the alert driver applied brakes, the bus hit a tree and stopped.

Most of the passengers travelling in the bus were youngsters who were on their way to examination centres to appear for the VRO and VRA examinations. Reports said that about 30 youngsters were travelling on the top of the bus as there was no space inside.

The injured persons were shifted to the Nagarkurnool area hospital, and the five whose condition is critical have been shifted to NIMS in Hyderabad.

Roads and Transport Minister P Mahender Reddy expressed his anguish over such accidents repeatedly taking place in the state. He directed officials to take action against drivers and conductors who were flouting the rules. He also asked the officials to see that proper treatment was given to the injured.