Nine passengers were injured when a private NewGo Electric bus overturned on the Outer Ring Road near Pedda Amberpet on Saturday morning, in what police have described as a case of driver negligence. The bus, en route from Hyderabad to Guntur, lost control while taking a sharp curve and struck a roadside railing before toppling onto its side.
According to officials from the Hayathnagar police station, there were around 15 passengers on board at the time of the accident. “Nine passengers suffered injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fortunately, none of them sustained life-threatening wounds,” a police officer said. Initial findings suggest that the bus driver may have been speeding or failed to properly control the vehicle while negotiating the bend.
Eyewitnesses reported that the electric bus suddenly veered off course before skidding on the curve and hitting the metal divider. Several passengers were thrown from their seats by the impact. Local residents and other motorists rushed to the scene to help rescue the injured before the arrival of emergency services. Traffic movement on the busy stretch of the Outer Ring Road was briefly disrupted as cranes were deployed to remove the overturned bus.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle belonged to NewGo Electric, a private transport operator. Technical teams have been sent to inspect the bus for possible mechanical or electrical faults. However, preliminary reports indicate that driver error was the most likely cause of the crash. “The driver’s alleged negligence is said to be the cause of the accident. A case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway,” the police added.
The incident comes barely a day after a deadly bus accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, that killed 20 people following a collision and subsequent fire. The back-to-back incidents have renewed public concern about the safety standards of private and electric bus operators. Experts have called for stricter enforcement of vehicle inspection norms and mandatory driver retraining, particularly for those handling high-capacity or electric vehicles on expressways.
Road safety officials said that electric buses, though environmentally friendly, require specialized handling due to their heavier chassis and higher torque output. Improper braking or cornering at high speeds can cause skidding, especially on curved stretches. The Motor Vehicle Inspectorate has been directed to submit a technical report on the Pedda Amberpet accident within 48 hours.
As the injured passengers continue to recover, the Telangana Transport Department is expected to issue a safety advisory to all private operators running long-distance electric buses on national highways and outer ring roads, emphasizing adherence to speed limits and regular maintenance checks.
