As Grieving Families Await Answers, Public Anger is Rising Over Poor Infrastructure and Law Enforcement

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A double tragedy has struck India, one in Telangana and another in Rajasthan, which have claimed dozens of lives within a single day. These accidents caused the death of at least 35 people combined in both states. The twin incidents highlight the alarming rise in fatal road accidents across India.

Telangana Road Accident

A tipper lorry carrying gravel hit head-on with a public transport bus head-on in the Rangareddy district on Monday. The passengers of the bus were pulled out, according to PTI. It claimed at least 20 lives, according to the latest update. Three critically injured people, along with 20 are undergoing treatment in the hospital, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar confirmed.

"A road accident occurred between a TGSRTC bus and a truck near Khanapur Gate, under the Chevella police station limits in Rangareddy district. Several passengers are injured, and more details are yet to be known. This incident happened early this morning. We reached the spot, and more details will be provided later," Police from Chevella station said.

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Telangana's Minister of Transport Ponnam Prabhakar expressed profound shock and sorrow over the serious road accident. 

“My sincere condolences to the families of bereaved and I pray to God for the immediate recovery of the injured,” Amarnath Sarangula, BJP Telangana spokesperson, said.

Rajasthan Road Accident

At least 15 people were killed and two others were injured after a tempo-traveller coming from Rajasthan's Kolayat, Bikaner, rammed into a parked trailer on the Bharat Mala Highway in Phalodi.

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"A road accident occurred in which a few people were tragically killed. We are arranging treatment for the injured... A green corridor is being established to quickly transport the injured to a facility where they can receive proper medical treatment. The administration is focused on saving the lives of those injured and will release further details as more information becomes available..." Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan said.

According to police, the victims were residents of the Sursagar area in Jodhpur and were returning from the Kolayat temple in Bikaner after offering prayers at the Kapil Muni Ashram.

"Fifteen passengers died on the spot, while two women sustained serious injuries. The injured were first taken to a hospital in Osian and later referred to Jodhpur," Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash said.

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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma conveyed his grief over the fatalities in the road accident, describing it as "extremely tragic and heart-rending," and instructed district officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. In a post on X, Bhajanlal Sharma wrote, "The loss of lives in the road accident in the Matoda area of Phalodi is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot also expressed deep sorrow over the deaths in Phalodi, praying for peace for the departed souls and strength for their families.

Prime Minister Announces Compensation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in both states and announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured from the PMNRF. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to families who lost a loved one in the accident. 

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Phalodi district, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, two road accidents from the same states came into the limelight as 26 people were burnt alive when a sleeper bus caught fire in Jaisalmer. On October 24, 21 passengers were burnt alive in a private bus near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

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Following the accident, the transport department launched an intensive checking campaign against illegal modification and violation of permit norms. Beyond offering condolences, authorities now face growing pressure to ensure accountability and implement stricter safety protocols.