A thrilling, late-night high-speed ride ended in mayhem for two sports bike-borne men in Telangana’s Mahbubnagar on the intervening night of Sunday-Monday. The sports bike, Hayabusa, rushing at a speed of 140 kmph, rammed into a car taking a U-turn, killing both the bike-borne men, as well as three occupants of the car. 

Incident occurs on Palakonda bypass road

According to police, the incident transpired on the Palakonda bypass road when the car was taking a U-turn, and was struck by the bike cruising at a high speed from behind. The impact of the collision was catastrophic, leaving no person directly involved in the crash surviving. 

Young bike riders, 3 of a family killed in crash

Five persons died in the crash, the police said, adding that three were occupants of the car. Those inside the car who died have been identified as Arshiya Begum (30), Ujepa (7) and Amar (2). All three of them had sustained grievous injuries, and were rushed to the hospital, where they later succumbed while undergoing treatment. 

Meanwhile, the bike-borne men also died, of whom one has been identified as Yakub Afzal (25), a native of Hyderabad. However, the identity of the second victim is yet to be confirmed, as per police. The police said the accident unfolded at around 1 am, although no complaint had been lodged at the time of reporting. 

Locals raise concerns

As per a preliminary probe carried out by police, excessive speed played a critical role in the mishap. Reports claimed that the bike was cruising at 140 kmph, when it crashed against the car. Locals have voiced concerns about the bypass road frequently being misused as a racing track during the dark hours. Eyewitnesses said groups of youngsters often gather and ride recklessly on the stretch, performing stunts on sports bikes and engaging in other forms of vehicular nuisance. 

They further alleged that the repeated complaints to authorities had fallen on deaf ears. Despite multiple complaints about reckless driving/riding and illegal racing on the road, the police allegedly failed to put substantial preventive measures in place. Residents have demanded stricter policing along the bypass road, installation of CCTV cameras and targeted crackdown on rash driving.

The police said they have launched a probe to determine the exact sequence of events and assess any potential negligence involved.