Hyderabad.18.08.2024: A major disaster was narrowly avoided when an overcrowded RTC bus lost its rear tyres on the outskirts of Morapalli village in Jagtial district on Sunday. The bus, belonging to the Nirmal depot, was carrying approximately 150-170 passengers, primarily women, despite having a seating capacity of just 55. The overcrowding was reportedly due to the low frequency of buses and the rush of people traveling to their hometowns during the long weekend.
The incident occurred as the RTC bus, a ‘Palle Velugu’ service, was en route to its destination. The rear tyres of the bus reportedly detached from the vehicle and rolled off the road into nearby bushes. Fortunately, the alert driver managed to bring the bus to an immediate halt, preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident. Despite the frightening situation, none of the passengers sustained serious injuries.
Visuals of the incident, showing passengers stranded on the road, quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the dangerous conditions under which many RTC buses are operating. The bus driver, with the help of some passengers, retrieved the tyres from the bushes, but the incident has raised serious questions about the maintenance and safety protocols of the RTC fleet.
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao criticized the state government in a strongly worded statement, expressing his concern over the incident. “A potential disaster was averted by sheer luck. Why is the government playing with the lives of innocent citizens? Is there any safety protocol being followed to limit the number of passengers? How are overworked drivers and conductors being compensated?” he questioned on X (formerly Twitter). He also questioned whether the government has any plans to expand the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) fleet to meet the increasing demand.
The incident highlights the urgent need for the state government to address the issues of bus overcrowding and vehicle maintenance in the RTC fleet. Passengers are increasingly at risk due to these lapses, and the call for an expansion of the RTC fleet and improved safety measures is growing louder.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to enhance the safety and reliability of public transportation in the state. The RTC must take immediate steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur, safeguarding the lives of passengers who rely on its services daily.
State of Telangana RTC 👇
170 people board a bus that was supposed to be for 50 people. A Nirmal Depot bus was carrying 170 people when two rear tires of the bus blew out at Morapelli
It’s truly pure luck that no one was hurt in this accident & a potential disaster was averted.… pic.twitter.com/aooJeL4I4M
— KTR (@KTRBRS) August 18, 2024
