A heartbreaking road crash in Hyderabad has left a young delivery worker's family in grief. On January 5, 2026, 25-year-old Abhishek, a Zepto rider from Shekpet, lost his life while rushing to drop off an order
Shocking CCTV Footage Reveals Crash Moment
The accident happened around 5:15 PM on the busy Tolichowki-Mehdipatnam road near Mehdipatnam police station. Abhishek rode his two-wheeler toward Tolichowki when he suddenly lost control, skidded, and fell hard onto the road. Seconds later, a Ganesh Travels private bus came from behind and rolled right over him, ending his life instantly.
Clear CCTV video captured every second, showing helpless bystanders watching as it unfolded. No one rushed to help right away, sparking anger online. Police quickly arrived, moved his body to Osmania General Hospital for checks, and grabbed the bus driver.
Who Was Abhishek? A Young Earner Supporting Family
Abhishek, just 25, called Shekpet home in Hyderabad. He joined Zepto as a delivery partner to make ends meet, zipping through traffic daily to bring groceries and essentials to doorsteps in under 10 minutes. Friends say he dreamed of a better life but worked long hours under tight deadlines.
Gig jobs like his exploded in India after apps promised fast cash. Yet, riders face packed roads, bad weather, and pressure to beat the clock. Abhishek's story hits close—many riders know the rush all too well.
Abhishek's Last Ride: Timeline
- 5:10 PM: Picks order.
- 5:15 PM: Skids on curve.
- 5:20 PM: Bus hits.
- Evening: Family informed
Police Action: Driver in Custody, Probe Ongoing
Mehdipatnam police filed charges against the bus driver and held him for questioning. Early reports point to Abhishek's skid as the start, but cops check if the bus sped or the driver missed him.
A top officer urged all delivery riders: "Always wear helmets and don't hurry—safety first." The case digs into road conditions, bike faults, and if Zepto's targets played a role. Updates expected soon as witnesses talk.
Unions Cry Out: End Dangerous 10-Min Delivery Rush
The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) slammed the death, blaming "super-fast delivery goals" that push riders to risky speeds. They want government rules for safer work, like better pay for hazards and rest breaks.
This isn't alone. Past crashes linked to quick-commerce apps raised alarms. Unions plan protests, asking Zepto for family aid and insurance fixes. Their voice grows louder: "Workers aren't machines."
Broader Dangers on Hyderabad Roads
Hyderabad's streets buzz with 10 million bikes and buses daily, but narrow lanes and heavy traffic breed trouble. In 2025, over 1,500 road deaths hit Telangana, many riders. Wet roads from monsoons, potholes, and night rides worsen it.ndtv
Stats show two-wheeler crashes make up 70% of cases here. Simple fixes like brighter lights and speed bumps could save lives, experts say.
Rise of Quick Commerce: Boon or Risk?
Apps like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart changed shopping—groceries in minutes! Launched in 2021, Zepto hit unicorn status by 2023 with $3.6 billion value. But growth means 2 lakh riders nationwide, many on personal bikes without top safety gear.
Riders earn Rs 20,000-40,000 monthly, but cutoffs slash pay if late. A 2024 study found 40% skip helmets chasing times. Platforms reply with training apps and bonus safety kits, yet deaths climb.
Lessons for Riders: Stay Safe on Busy Roads
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Pick wide lanes over shortcuts.
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Check bike tires and brakes before shifts.
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Use reflector jackets at dusk.
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Apps now track speed—slow down for curves.
Parents teach kids these too, as bikes tempt young drivers.
What Families Lose in Gig Tragedies
Abhishek's kin now face empty homes and bills. No steady insurance haunts many riders—platforms offer some, but claims tangle. A fund for such cases could help, unions push.
Stories like his remind us: behind every app order sits a real person with hopes.
Government Steps Up for Gig Safety
Telangana eyes new laws post-2025 crashes. Draft rules mandate accident cover up to Rs 10 lakh and health checks. Nationally, labor ministry talks minimum wages for platforms by mid-2026.m
Cities like Bengaluru test "rider zones" with less traffic. Will Hyderabad follow?
🚨 Tolichowki Accident | Hyderabad
— ~ सुनिल 🇮🇳 (@Onlyam_sUnIl08) January 6, 2026
A tragic road accident captured on CCTV on Jan 5, 2026, around 5 PM on Tolichowki Main Road. A bike rider died on the spot after a severe collision. Police have reached the scene and begun investigation.#Tolichowki #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/XVY2y1R52m
Tech Fixes to Cut Road Deaths
AI dashcams on bikes spot dangers early. Apps with live traffic reroute riders. Helmets with airbags test in trials—could blunt falls by 40%.
Voices from Fellow Riders
"I skip dinner for deliveries, but fear crashes daily," shares a 28-year-old Zepto partner. Social media floods with #JusticeForAbhishek, demanding change.
Impact on Quick Delivery Apps
Zepto paused some Hyderabad ops briefly, citing "partner review." Rivals face same heat—Blinkit lost a rider in Delhi last month. Stocks dipped 2% on news.
Road Safety Tips for Everyone
Drivers: Scan mirrors on highways. Peds: Use crossings. Kids: Hold hands near roads.
Why Hyderabad Roads Feel Risky
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Future of Delivery: Safer Paths Ahead?
Drones test for last-mile drops, cutting human risk. Electric bikes with auto-brakes roll out. But till then, humans power the promise.
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