Hyderabad-Shirdi Bus Slams Into Parked Truck Near Buldhana on Mumbai-Nagpur Highway; 3 in Critical Condition, 28 Hurt

A Hyderabad Shirdi bus accident on the Mumbai-Nagpur highway left three passengers critically injured and 28 others hurt. The collision occurred early Monday morning when the bus, traveling from Hyderabad to Shirdi, slammed into a stationary truck near Vadner village in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district.

Early Morning Chaos on a Busy Route

The crash happened near Vadner in Nandura tehsil, along the heavily traveled National Highway 53. The bus carried over 30 passengers on its way to Shirdi when it hit a truck that had stopped on the roadside.

Eyewitnesses reported that the truck lacked hazard lights or reflectors. With low visibility during the early morning hours, the bus driver didn’t see the vehicle in time to react. The front of the bus took the full impact and crumpled instantly.

Locals and Officials Jumped Into Action

Nearby residents rushed to the spot after hearing the crash. They worked with highway patrol teams to rescue passengers trapped inside the wreckage. Using tools and bare hands, they pulled out victims and helped shift them into ambulances.

Hospital staff confirmed that three passengers remain in critical condition. Doctors moved them into intensive care. Meanwhile, medical teams treated the rest for fractures, cuts, and other non-life-threatening injuries. Most are expected to recover soon.

Traffic Disrupted for Hours

The accident created a long traffic jam on the Mumbai-Nagpur highway. Authorities quickly diverted vehicles to alternative routes while cleanup crews worked to remove debris and clear the road. Officials used cranes and other heavy machinery to lift the damaged vehicles and restore traffic flow.

By late morning, the highway reopened, though travelers faced long delays. The incident raised concerns about the lack of safe parking areas for heavy vehicles and the need for better highway lighting.

Another Crash Hits the Same District

Just days before, another deadly accident occurred near Amsari village in the same tehsil. A Madhya Pradesh state transport bus collided with a Metador carrying bricks. That crash killed four people and injured over a dozen more.

The recent spate of accidents has left local communities shaken. Residents are urging authorities to improve road safety before more lives are lost.

Experts Demand Stricter Safety Measures

Transport experts say these accidents highlight long-standing issues with highway safety. Trucks often stop without warning signs or reflectors, especially at night. Drivers of passenger vehicles struggle to spot them in time, especially when road lighting is poor.

A retired transport official said, “Trucks parking on the highway without safety indicators pose a serious threat. We need designated parking bays and stricter checks.”

Experts also stress the need for regular audits on busy highways like NH-53. They recommend better lighting, regular patrols, and visible road signs to reduce accidents.

Authorities Begin Investigation

Police have launched an investigation into Monday’s crash. Officers are checking whether the bus followed speed regulations and whether the parked truck met legal safety requirements.

A senior police officer said, “We are reviewing the CCTV footage and speaking to drivers. If we find violations, we will take strict action.”

Officials are also looking into the role of the transport company to ensure that the bus followed safety protocols and that the driver had enough rest before the trip.

Support for the Injured and Their Families

The state government has promised financial assistance to cover medical costs. The bus operator is contacting the families of the injured passengers and helping them with travel and communication.

Social workers have arrived at the hospital to offer counseling to passengers who are still recovering from the trauma. Local authorities are ensuring proper care and timely updates for family members.

A Wake-Up Call for India’s Roads

India sees thousands of highway accidents every year. Many of them happen due to avoidable causes—lack of signage, poor lighting, driver fatigue, and unsafe parking practices. Monday’s crash near Buldhana is another reminder of how urgent highway safety reforms are.

As survivors recover and families wait anxiously, the public is calling on authorities to make real changes—not just promises. Preventing future accidents requires not only better roads, but also stricter enforcement and a cultural shift toward safety-first driving.