According to the Hyderabad police, the driver of the bus has succumbed to his injuries, apart from eight other passengers who died on the spot. The bus driver, a woman conductor, and other passengers have been taken to a hospital.

“The gravel from the bus fell into the truck once the collision happened. This aggravated the situation and caused more casualties,” a Hyderabad police officer told The Indian Express.

Telangana IT and Industries Minister, and In-Charge Minister for the erstwhile Ranga Reddy district, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, expressed deep shock and anguish over the accident near Mirzaguda in Chevella mandal.

A statement from the minister said he immediately alerted the Vikarabad district collector, the police, and senior officers of the relevant departments.

“He sought a detailed report on how the accident occurred and the present condition of the injured. He issued directions on the relief and rescue operations, instructing officials to reach the accident site without delay and personally supervise the rescue efforts,” the statement said.

The minister also instructed the senior officials of the Medical and Health Department to “ensure the best possible treatment” for the injured at the Chevella Government Hospital.

“He held a teleconference with the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and review the measures being taken. He further directed officials overseeing the rescue operations to reassure the victims and their families that the government stands firmly by them. He instructed that complete information about every injured person must be promptly communicated to their family members,” the statement added.