Seven people were killed and 15 others injured when a speeding lorry rammed into a TSRTC bus in Chenjerla village, about 20km from Karimnagar district.
The lorry, while trying to overtake another lorry, hit the stationary bus of state-owned Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) coming from the opposite direction. The lorry rammed into the rear side of the bus, crushing the passengers in their seats.
The ghastly accident took place near Chenjerla in Manakonduru block of Karimnagar district, 160 km from Hyderabad.
The rear portion of the bus, which was proceeding from Warangal to Karimnagar, was badly mangled in the collision. Rescue workers had tough time in pulling out the bodies.
Heart rending scenes were witnessed on the site where human body parts, flesh and blood were strewn around.
The bus, which was carrying 40 people including a driver and a conductor, had stopped at the request of some passengers, when the lorry crashed into it. Two persons on a motorbike and a cyclist behind the bus were also injured in the accident.
The dead include two women. The injured including the lorry driver were shifted to nearby government hospital.
Finance Minister E. Rajender rushed to the spot and was personally monitoring the relief operations.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao expressed grief over the tragedy and directed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.