Nine Killed in Two Separate Accidents on Telangana's NH-65
Nine people were killed and several others injured in two separate road accidents on National Highway-65 in Telangana's Sangareddy district on Tuesday night. The incidents, which occurred within a few hours of each other, have left the local community in shock, police said.
The first and more fatal accident took place near Satwar village in Mogudampally mandal, where a tanker truck allegedly rammed a passenger auto-rickshaw as it tried to take a U-turn. The auto-rickshaw was carrying about 12 daily-wage workers from Rajagiri in Bidar district, Karnataka. The workers had travelled to Zaheerabad in Telangana in search of work and were returning home when the collision occurred.
Six women and the auto driver were killed on the spot. The deceased were identified as Rekha, Sridevi, Kavitha, Reshma and Devadas, the auto driver. Several other passengers sustained serious injuries, and some of them were said to be in critical condition. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The second accident occurred near Kaveli in Kohir mandal on the same highway, which is also known as the Mumbai highway. A car reportedly hit the highway median and then collided with vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Two people were killed in this accident, and several others were injured. At least four vehicles, including the car and an autorickshaw, were damaged in the collision, according to preliminary reports.
Police personnel reached both accident sites promptly and assisted in shifting the injured to hospitals. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem. Senior officials from the district administration also visited the spots to assess the situation.
Preliminary investigations indicate that speeding may have played a role in both crashes. Officials, however, said the precise circumstances, including the sequence of collisions and any traffic violations, are yet to be established. Statements of eyewitnesses are being recorded, and the vehicles involved have been seized for examination.
NH-65 is a crucial route connecting Hyderabad with Mumbai and forms a major part of the region's transport network. It is heavily used by trucks and tankers, as well as by local commuters and migrant workers who travel between Karnataka and Telangana for daily-wage employment. Road safety experts have often highlighted the vulnerability of those travelling in auto-rickshaws on highways, as these vehicles have no protective framing and are frequently overloaded. The accidents on Tuesday night underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and safer, more affordable transport options for rural labourers.
Residents of the nearby villages recall previous instances of heavy vehicles losing control on the same stretch and have repeatedly petitioned for safety measures such as speed breakers, warning signs, and improved street lighting. They say night travel on the highway is particularly perilous, and Tuesday's incidents have heightened their fears.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief among villagers, many of whom depend on such informal work arrangements. Local leaders have demanded better road infrastructure and strict action against overspeeding and drunk driving. The state government has announced an ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and said the injured will be treated free of cost.
Authorities have urged motorists to obey speed limits and exercise caution while driving at night. A detailed investigation report has been ordered, and further details are awaited.
