At least four persons were killed and two others sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision between a private travel bus and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, in Allagadda mandal of the district. The fatal accident occurred around 3 a.m. at Nallagatla village limits, according to information provided by the police.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with night-time travel on highways, particularly when vehicles cross road dividers and enter oncoming traffic lanes.
SUV Crossed Divider After Driver Lost Control, Say Police
According to preliminary police investigations, the SUV was travelling from Tirupati towards Hyderabad when the driver allegedly lost control over the steering. The vehicle reportedly crossed the road divider and entered the opposite carriageway, where it crashed head-on into a private travel bus coming from the opposite direction.
The bus was proceeding from Hyderabad towards Pondicherry at the time of the accident. The impact of the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles, particularly the SUV, resulting in fatalities on the spot.
Four SUV Occupants Died on the Spot
Police confirmed that four persons travelling in the SUV died instantly due to the severity of the collision. Two other occupants of the same vehicle sustained serious injuries and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.
The identities of the deceased are being formally verified, while the injured are said to be under close medical observation. Authorities stated that further updates would be shared following medical assessments and family notifications.
Victims Were Returning From Pilgrimage Duty
Police officials said the deceased and injured were residents of Nizampet in Hyderabad, Telangana. The six individuals had reportedly been accompanying ‘Shiva Svamis’ for the past few days, assisting them by cooking meals during their pilgrimage.
They were returning to Hyderabad after completing their duties when the accident occurred. The tragic circumstances have cast a pall of grief over the local community, with relatives and acquaintances expressing shock at the sudden loss.
Bus Passengers Escape Unhurt
All passengers travelling in the private bus escaped without injuries, police confirmed. As the bus sustained damage in the collision, passengers were safely shifted to an alternative vehicle to continue their onward journey to Pondicherry.
Officials said timely assistance helped prevent panic and ensured that stranded passengers were transported without further inconvenience.
Investigation Underway, Road Safety Concerns Raised
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Factors such as speed, fatigue, visibility, and vehicle condition are expected to be examined as part of the probe.
The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety, particularly during early-morning hours when driver fatigue and reduced alertness pose serious risks. Authorities have reiterated appeals to motorists to exercise caution, adhere to traffic regulations, and avoid long-distance night driving without adequate rest.
Call for Caution on Highways
The fatal collision in Allagadda mandal serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of losing vehicle control on high-speed roads. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic norms, improved driver awareness, and enhanced road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
