Hyderabad-bound bus crashes into acid tanker in Mahabubabad
Traffic on NH-44 slowed down after the crash, and officials quickly moved the passengers to another bus so they could continue toward Hyderabad.
Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-bound bus from Andhra Pradesh was involved in a frightening accident on Thursday, November 20, after it rammed into an acid tanker on National Highway 44 near Mahabubabad . The collision, which occurred in the early hours, triggered a release of chemical fumes, prompting immediate evacuation of the passengers.
According to officials, the private travel bus was on its regular route from Chittoor to Hyderabad when it crashed into the rear of a tanker carrying hydrochloric acid . The impact caused the acid container to leak, sending out fumes that quickly spread around the accident spot.
There were 26 passengers on board at the time. Moments after the crash, the bus driver—realising the seriousness of the situation—asked everyone to get down and move away from the vehicle. His prompt action is believed to have prevented more serious injuries.
Fumes Seen in Videos Shared Online
Shortly after the accident, videos began circulating on social media showing thick fumes rising from the tanker. The visuals created concern among viewers, as hydrochloric acid fumes can cause breathing difficulties, skin irritation, and eye damage if exposure is prolonged.
Luckily, most passengers had already moved a safe distance away by the time the fumes became visible. Local residents and commuters passing by also alerted emergency services immediately.
Passengers Sustain Minor Injuries
Authorities confirmed that some passengers suffered minor injuries , mostly from the impact of the collision and from rushing out of the bus. They were provided first aid at the spot.
Fire tenders from Mahabubabad and nearby stations rushed to the site. Firefighters sprayed neutralising agents and water to control the fumes and prevent the acid from spreading across the highway.
Police teams from multiple stations also reached the location to regulate traffic and assist with evacuation. Officials sealed off the area until the situation was brought fully under control.
Traffic Disrupted on NH-44
The accident caused major traffic congestion on NH-44 , a crucial stretch that connects Telangana with Andhra Pradesh and several major southern cities. Vehicles were diverted, and movement slowed down considerably as emergency services worked to contain the leak and remove the damaged vehicles.
After ensuring passengers were safe, authorities shifted them to another bus arranged on priority, enabling them to continue their journey toward Hyderabad.
For many passengers, the incident was a frightening experience. Several said they initially thought the bus had simply hit a vehicle, but after seeing smoke-like fumes rising from the tanker, panic set in. Officials maintained a calm environment and ensured that everyone was moved to safety.
The Scene Brought Under Control
After nearly an hour of operations, fire department personnel confirmed that the acid leak had been controlled. Tanker specialists later arrived to transfer the remaining acid to another vehicle before the damaged tanker was removed from the highway.
Officials are now investigating the exact cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest reduced visibility and sudden braking may have contributed to the bus ramming into the tanker, though a detailed report is awaited.
A Series of Recent Bus Accidents
This crash is the latest in a string of road accidents involving passenger buses in the region.
Just three days earlier, on November 17 , another incident occurred when a bus travelling from Hyderabad to Vijayawada collided with a truck.
According to police reports, the bus—operated by Kaveri Travels —was attempting to overtake a truck at the Anasagaram bypass in Nandigama , located in Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district, when the driver lost control, leading to the collision.
With multiple accidents occurring within such a short span, authorities are urging private travel operators and long-route drivers to follow safety guidelines and avoid risky manoeuvres like sudden overtaking, especially at night and on narrow bypass routes.
Road Safety Authorities on Alert
In the wake of these accidents, officials from both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have announced that they will intensify checks on private buses, particularly those operating late-night or early-morning services. Drivers will also be screened for fatigue, overspeeding, and vehicle maintenance issues.
For now, all 26 passengers from Thursday’s acid tanker collision are safe, though shaken—and grateful that the situation did not turn into a major chemical disaster.