Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Chevella Crash: Lorry Driver Not Drunk, Possible Causes Under Investigation
A big truck carrying gravel crashed into a bus, and sadly, 19 people passed away.
The police found out that the truck driver was not drunk when the accident happened.
They think he might have fallen asleep or tried to miss a big hole in the road, which caused him to drive into the bus's lane.
The bus driver tried to stop the bus to avoid the crash.
The truck was carrying too much gravel, much more than it was supposed to, which likely made the crash worse.
Because of this terrible accident and other similar ones on the same road, a human rights group is asking the government to explain what they are doing to make the roads safer.
They are also checking if the truck was in good condition and had the right papers.
A collision between a gravel-laden tipper lorry and a TSRTC bus in Chevella resulted in 19 fatalities.
Forensic tests confirmed the lorry driver was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Police are investigating potential causes for the lorry entering the bus lane, including driver fatigue or attempting to avoid a pothole.
The lorry was confirmed to be overloaded with gravel, exceeding its permitted capacity, contributing to the crash's severity.
The Telangana State Human Rights Commission has initiated an investigation into systemic road safety failures following the recurring fatalities.
- Who
- Lorry driver, bus driver, passengers, police investigators, TSRTC, RTA officials, and the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC).
- What
- A fatal head-on collision between an overloaded tipper lorry and a TSRTC bus resulted in 19 deaths. The lorry driver tested negative for alcohol, and investigators are exploring fatigue or pothole avoidance as causes. The TSHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of recurring road safety failures.
- When
- Days after the collision; lorry departed around 5:30 AM on the day of the crash; TSHRC report deadline is December 15.
- Where
- Near Mirjaguda in Chevella, on NH-163.
- Why
- The accident is suspected to be caused by the lorry driver swerving into the bus lane due to fatigue, falling asleep, or attempting to avoid a pothole. The severity was increased by an overloaded lorry.
Police & Transport Authorities
TSHRC & Eyewitnesses/Survivor Accounts
Cause of Collision
Police & Transport Authorities
The lorry driver was not under the influence of alcohol. Police suspect the accident occurred because the lorry swerved into the bus lane, possibly to avoid a pothole or due to driver fatigue/falling asleep. The bus driver attempted to brake.
TSHRC & Eyewitnesses/Survivor Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported the bus was overcrowded. The Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC) is investigating systemic failures in road safety, citing recurring fatalities on this stretch, implying broader issues beyond individual driver error.
Lorry Overload
Police & Transport Authorities
Authorities confirmed the lorry was overloaded with gravel, carrying significantly more than its permitted capacity. The exact weight is still being verified.
TSHRC & Eyewitnesses/Survivor Accounts
The overloaded condition of the lorry, with gravel spilling, is implicitly seen as a contributing factor to the severity of the accident's impact on passengers.
Investigative Scope
Police & Transport Authorities
The investigation is examining driver fatigue, road conditions (potholes), vehicle mechanical condition, fitness certificates, load permits, and ownership records. The lorry owner is being questioned.
TSHRC & Eyewitnesses/Survivor Accounts
The TSHRC's suo motu action indicates concern over recurring fatalities and systemic failures in road safety and enforcement, suggesting a need for a broader approach than just individual vehicle/driver accountability.
- Fatalities
- 19 people
- Injuries
- Over 30 people (stated in existing summary, implied by severity)
- Vehicles Involved
- Gravel-laden tipper lorry and a TSRTC bus
- Location
- Near Mirjaguda in Chevella (NH-163)
- Bus Occupancy
- Nearly 70 passengers (including 10-15 standing)
- Lorry Load
- Overloaded with gravel (reported ~70 tonnes, capacity ~40 tonnes, exact weight unverified)
- Driver's Condition
- Lorry driver tested negative for alcohol
- TSHRC Action
- Suo motu cognisance, directing reports from multiple departments by Dec 15
