The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2025 – A Complete List

The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2025 – A Complete List

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The year 2025 witnessed several tragic bus accidents across India, reflecting persistent concerns around road safety, vehicle design, driver fatigue, and highway infrastructure.

Several incidents involved high-speed highway collisions, while others were marked by devastating bus fires and multi-vehicle crashes.

These accidents resulted in significant loss of life and highlighted the continuing challenges faced by public transport safety regulators, bus operators, and enforcement agencies.

Below is a compiled list of the worst bus accidents reported in India in 2025, ranked based on the severity of fatalities and overall impact.

List of the Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2025

RankIncidentStateDeaths (Range)
1Chevalla Bus–Truck CollisionTelangana20–24
2Jaisalmer Bus FireRajasthan22–25
3Kurnool Bus FireAndhra Pradesh18–20
4Hiriyur Divider-Jump CrashKarnataka15–18
5Yamuna Expressway Pile-UpUttar Pradesh11–14
6Ambala Highway CollisionHaryana8–10
7Hassan Procession CrashKarnataka7–9
8Jabalpur Sihora CollisionMadhya Pradesh6–8
9Nayagarh OverturningOdisha5–7
10Bhandup BEST Bus CrashMaharashtra4–5

10. Bhandup BEST Bus Crash – Maharashtra

A city electric bus operated by BEST lost control near Bhandup railway station and struck pedestrians and roadside commuters. The accident triggered renewed debate on the operational safety of urban electric buses, driver control systems, and pedestrian protection infrastructure in densely populated cities.

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9. Nayagarh Overturning – Odisha

A private passenger bus overturned while attempting to overtake another vehicle on a curved stretch of highway in Nayagarh district. Investigations suggested overspeeding as a major cause. The accident underlined ongoing concerns regarding the enforcement of speed limits and the lack of adequate crash barriers on rural highways.

8. Jabalpur Sihora Collision – Madhya Pradesh

A passenger bus collided head-on with a cement truck near Sihora on a narrow bridge after reportedly entering the wrong lane. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities and severe structural damage to the bus. Authorities highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of lane discipline and improved signage in high-risk road zones.

7. Hassan Procession Crash – Karnataka

A tragic incident occurred during a Ganesha procession in Hassan when a truck crashed into a stationary bus and the surrounding crowd. The accident resulted in several casualties and injuries. The incident raised questions regarding traffic diversion planning and safety protocols during large public gatherings.

6. Ambala Highway Collision – Haryana

A mini-bus collided with a heavy truck along the Ambala highway. Preliminary reports indicated driver fatigue and possible loss of vehicle control as key factors. The accident once again highlighted the issue of driver rest compliance and monitoring systems in commercial passenger transport.

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The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024 – A Complete List

5. Yamuna Expressway Pile-Up – Uttar Pradesh

Dense fog conditions near the Mathura section of the Yamuna Expressway triggered a multi-vehicle collision involving buses and several other vehicles. Poor visibility and high vehicle speeds contributed to the severity of the crash. The incident reinforced concerns regarding weather-responsive speed management systems on high-speed corridors.

4. Hiriyur Divider-Jump Crash – Karnataka

On Christmas Day, a heavily loaded truck lost control and crossed the median near Hiriyur, colliding with a passenger bus. The impact ruptured the bus’s fuel tank, leading to a massive fire and multiple fatalities. The crash raised discussions around highway median design standards and fuel tank protection mechanisms in buses.

3. Kurnool Bus Fire – Andhra Pradesh

A private sleeper bus caught fire after colliding with a two-wheeler near Kurnool. Reports indicated that combustible cargo, including lithium-ion battery consignments, may have intensified the fire. The accident highlighted safety risks linked to cargo transport in passenger buses and emergency exit accessibility.

2. Jaisalmer Bus Fire – Rajasthan

One of the most devastating bus fires of the year occurred in Jaisalmer when a sleeper coach caught fire, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit. Several passengers were trapped due to jammed exit doors. The tragedy emphasised the need for improved fire detection systems and mandatory emergency door functionality checks.

1. Chevalla Bus–Truck Collision – Telangana

The deadliest bus accident of 2025 occurred near Chevalla, where a passenger bus collided head-on with a gravel-laden truck. The collision caused severe structural damage, trapping several passengers under debris. Rescue operations were prolonged due to the intensity of the crash and vehicle deformation, making it the most fatal bus accident reported in India during the year.

Private Sleeper Bus Catches Fire Near Hosanagara, Three Injured

Lessons from the Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2025

The major bus accidents reported in 2025 underline persistent vulnerabilities in India’s passenger transport safety framework. Several incidents exposed risks linked to sleeper bus fire safety, unsafe cargo practices, highway speeding, and weak enforcement of driver rest norms.

Additionally, crashes triggered by poor visibility, median breaches, and inadequate emergency exits highlight the urgent need for stricter safety audits, improved vehicle design standards, and stronger highway monitoring systems.

Strengthening regulatory compliance and investing in advanced safety technologies will be essential to reducing fatal bus accidents in the future.

Key Takeaways from Bus Accidents in India – 2025

Analysis of major bus accidents in 2025 highlights several recurring safety concerns:

  1. Fires in sleeper buses caused by electrical failures and unsafe cargo handling
  2. High-speed highway collisions involving heavy commercial vehicles
  3. Low visibility conditions leading to multi-vehicle pile-ups
  4. Driver fatigue and human error in long-distance operations
  5. Infrastructure limitations such as inadequate medians, signage, and crash barriers

Industry experts continue to emphasise the importance of strengthening vehicle safety regulations, improving driver monitoring systems, deploying advanced fire detection technology, and upgrading highway safety infrastructure.

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