HYDERABAD: At least 16 people died and 8 were injured when a truck carrying a load of gravel rammed into an RTC bus coming from the opposite direction at Mirjaguda near Chevella in Rangareddy district of Telangana on Monday.According to Chevella ACP B Kishan, the RTC bus started at Tandur and it was supposed to reach Chevella. “The truck was carrying a load of gravel. As of now we can confirm that 16 people including the truck driver and several bus passengers died in the accident,” the ACP said.Rajendranagar DCP Yogesh Goutam said that the truck was in the right lane when it crashed into the bus. “We have to verify whether the accident occurred while the truck driver was attempting to overtake or if he was driving in the wrong direction,” the DCP said.At the time of the incident, there were 40 passengers in the bus and the load of gravel in the truck fell on the passengers after the collision. “The accident occurred on Bijapur highway. We are removing the bodies and the injured from the bus and shifting them to hospitals. Traffic is being diverted on both sides,” the DCP said.Telangana CMO posted on X, “CM Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the road accident that took place in Chevella mandal of Rangareddy district. The CM instructed the officials to immediately reach the spot and take necessary relief measures. The CM ordered that the complete details of the accident be informed from time to time. The Chief Minister has ordered the CS and DGP to immediately evacuate all those injured in the bus accident to Hyderabad and make arrangements to provide them with better medical treatment. The CM has asked the available ministers to immediately reach the accident site.”Telangana IT and Industries minister, Duddilla Sridhar Babu expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic accident near Mirzaguda in Chevella mandal, where an RTC bus was hit by a tipper lorry.Upon receiving the information, the Minister immediately alerted the district collector, police officials, and senior officers of concerned departments. He sought a detailed report on how the accident occurred and the present condition of the injured. He issued directions on the relief and rescue operations, instructing officials to reach the accident site without delay and personally supervise the rescue efforts.The minister also instructed the senior officials of the Medical and Health Department to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured at the Chevella Government Hospital. He held a teleconference with the relevant authorities to monitor the situation and review the measures being taken.He further directed officials overseeing the rescue operations to reassure the victims and their families that the government stands firmly by them. He instructed that complete information about every injured person must be promptly communicated to their family members.Speaking about the accident, Chevella Police said, “A road accident occurred between a TGSRTC bus and a truck near Khanapur Gate, under the Chevella police station limits. Several passengers are injured, and more details are yet to be known. This incident happened early this morning. We reached the spot, and further details will be provided later.”(With agency inputs)