WARANGAL: A spate of fatal accidents on National Highway-563 has triggered panic among commuters, especially along the Hasanparthy–Huzurabad stretch via Seethampeta Cross and Elkathurthy in Hanamkonda district. Locals have started referring to this section as a ‘death zone’ due to a series of deadly curves and frequent mishaps.
The most tragic accident occurred two weeks ago near Penchikalpet in Elkathurthy mandal, where a lorry collided head-on with a car carrying seven family members from Eturunagaram, Mulugu district. The family was en route to the Vemulawada temple when the crash took place. Four people died on the spot, and another succumbed to injuries at MGM Hospital.
In another incident near Seethampeta Cross, two brothers from Dharmasagar mandal died after an RTC bus rammed into their scooter. They were returning from a relative’s funeral in Bavupet village.
In other accident, a private RTC bus travelling from Huzurabad to Hanamkonda lost its rear wheels while it was in motion. Of the 42 passengers onboard, five sustained injuries.
Also near Elkathurthy, a van carrying 10 pilgrims from Mogullapalli mandal to Vemulawada overturned after its steering rod snapped. Two passengers were seriously injured, while eight others suffered minor injuries. They were rushed to MGM Hospital for treatment.
In the last weeks, four major accidents on this highway segment have claimed seven lives, sparking fear and demands for immediate safety interventions. The stretch between Hasanparthy and Elkathurthy mandals has emerged as a high-risk zone.
Police officials attributed the accidents to overspeeding, blind curves and driver negligence. They noted that several sections between Hasanparthy and Huzurabad are narrow and have dangerous bends, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
Responding to mounting appeals from the public, Wardhannapet MLA K.R. Nagaraju and Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) chairman Enagala Venkataram Reddy, along with officials from the National Highways, police and municipal departments, inspected accident-prone spots between Hasanparthy and Yellapur village.
KUDA chairman E. Venkatram Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that he and MLA Nagaraju had brought the issue to the attention of the Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the roads and buildings minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy. And the government promptly sanctioned Rs 2 crore for road safety improvements.
Officials have been directed to implement comprehensive safety measures, including installation of barricades, central lighting, speed control systems, warning signboards and reflective stickers at dangerous curves, the chairman added.
