A normal ride home turned into a nightmare for dozens of families when a school bus carrying students fell into a canal near Ganeshpadu village in Telangana. The accident injured around 40 children and caused panic among parents and local residents. Villagers rushed to the spot and helped rescue the students trapped inside the bus. The injured children were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident has raised serious concerns about school bus safety.
Telangana School Bus Accident Near Khammam Shocks Parents
The school bus belonged to Vivekananda Vidyalayam in Maddulagudem, Vemsuru area. Reports say the bus was carrying between 60 and 100 students while heading home. Near Ganeshpadu village, the bus lost control and fell into a dry canal beside farmland. Children screamed as the bus overturned inside the canal. Local villagers immediately ran to help. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the crash.
Several Students injured, after a Private School Bus lost control and overturned into the ditch near Ganeshpadu in #Penuballi mandal, of #Khammam district, #Telangana [#SchoolBusAccident]
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) January 2, 2026
The #SchoolBus carrying about 100 #Students of Vivekananda Vidyalayam in Maddulagudem of… pic.twitter.com/bdiIzglQOW
How the Khammam School Bus Went Into the Canal
According to student witnesses, the school bus was having trouble as it left the school grounds. Although the teachers told the driver to get the issue taken care of before they took the students on a trip, he still chose to continue and drive the school bus. On his way home, the bus became unbalanced and veered off the road, resulting in the bus falling directly into a canal. The police are still searching for the cause of the crash.
Driver Goes Missing After Telangana School Bus Crash
The driver has disappeared following a crash that involved a school bus in Telangana, India — some students have reported that the school bus driver appeared to be intoxicated prior to the incident and left the scene of the accident afterwards; the police are actively seeking to locate or apprehend the driver. Furthermore, it is currently undetermined whether or not negligent driving, including travelling over the speed limit, or the condition of the vehicle caused the crash; however, the parents of students who attended this school are rightfully angry due to the lack of accountability on behalf of the absent driver. Authorities indicated that if there was to be evidence of negligence there would be immediate consequences.

How Many Students Were Injured in the Telangana School Bus Accident?
Officials confirmed that around 40 students were injured in the accident. Some reports suggest nearly 20 children suffered serious injuries. Injured students were taken to hospitals in Thirupur village in Andhra Pradesh and Vemsuru government hospital. Doctors provided immediate treatment to all children, with two requiring extra care. Most students were later discharged. Families waited anxiously for updates.
What Actions Did the Transport Minister Take After the Accident?
The Telangana Transport Minister responded rapidly to the incident by mandating that all school buses within the State of Telangana be inspected following the accident. All transport officials were instructed to check for the validity of both the fitness certificate and compliance with safety regulations. The Minister also cautioned schools that failure to comply with these regulations would lead to the cancellation of the school's licence to operate vehicles. Transport officials assured strict oversight of school buses in order to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Why School Bus Accidents Continue to Occur Across India
School bus accidents remain common in India. Private schools often prioritize profit over safety. Enforcement of safety rules is inconsistent, and penalties are weak. Many buses operate without proper maintenance or trained drivers. Experts say regular inspections, stronger fines, and active parent oversight are essential. The Ganeshpadu accident serves as a warning for schools nationwide.
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Safety Tips Parents Should Follow for School Bus Travel
There are several things parents should be aware of to help protect their child when they are using a school bus. First, it is essential that parents look for a valid yearly fitness certificate from the RTO before allowing their child on a school bus. In addition to the certificate, parents also need to make sure the bus driver has a clean driving record and license. Secondly, parents should ensure that there is not too many kids on the bus and that emergency exits are functioning properly. Educating your child about safety protocol, such as sitting in their seat properly and staying calm if there is an emergency, is also important. Thirdly, parents should report unsafe buses to authorities and remain vigilant while their children travel to and from school.