Jagtiyal bus accident: 52 pilgrims dead, KCR announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to family of deceased

Hyderabad, Sep 11: Fifty-two people were killed and several were injured after a state-owned Road Transport Corporation bus carrying pilgrims from a temple in the hills of Telangana's Jagtiyal district plunged off a road on Tuesday morning.

The incident happened when the bus was returning from Kondagattu to Jagital skidded off the ghat road near Shanivarapet village and fell into the valley resulting in the accident, they said.

Initial reports said the bus driver apparently lost control of the steering at the third sharp curve, resulting in the bus plunging into the gorge.

Over 62 passengers were travelling in the bus.

"The incident happened between 11.45 am and noon. At least 15 persons have died in the incident ... 20 others were injured and they have been shifted to different hospitals," Jagtial District Collector A Sharat, who is supervising the relief and rescue work, told PTI over phone.

Sindhu Sharma, SP Jagtial, said, "45 people have died so far. Injured have been admitted to nearby government hospitals. Rescue operation is underway." A state-run RTC bus accident had occurred near Kondaagattu, earlier today.

Chief Minister K.Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock over the road accident at Kondagattu ghat road. In a message, the CM expressed condolences on the loss of lives and injuries to others. He has further directed the officials concerned to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He has announced ₹5 lakhs ex-gratia to the family members of the deceased.

Minister for Finance and Civil Supplies Etala Rajender expressed shock and grief over the accident and instructed the officials to take all measures to provide proper medicare. Nizamabad MP Kavitha also expressed grief over the accident.