Four Bhavani devotees killed as speeding SUV ploughs into crowd on NH near Kakinada
Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Oct 22 (TNT) : Four Goddess Durga devotees on ‘Bhavani Deeksha’ were killed in the early hours of Thursday when an out-of-control SUV ploughed into them along the National Highway at Ravikampadu junction near Kathipudi, about 45 km from here, police said.
Three devotees died on the spot, while another succumbed to critical injuries en route to the government hospital in Prathipadu.
The victims were identified as Lingala Sitharam (45), Sirigidi Yerraiah (38), Thatipudi Siva Prasad (40), and Bonela Ramana Sathibabu (52), all hailing from Denkada village in Vizianagaram district.
According to police, around 40 devotees from Denkada had concluded their sacred ‘deeksha’ and were traveling aboard a private bus toward Vijayawada for darshan at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam atop Indrakeeladri.
En route, their bus developed a mechanical snag, prompting the driver to pull over onto the road shoulder for repairs.
While waiting, several pilgrims stepped out and were crossing the road toward a roadside eatery for morning tea when a speeding Mahindra Scorpio lost control and rammed into them.
The SUV subsequently rammed into a stationary parcel van and another travel bus before coming to a halt.
The driver of the parcel vehicle suffered fractures to both legs, while another injured devotee was hospitalized; both are undergoing emergency medical treatment.
Peddapuram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tilak visited the crash site, coordinated rescue operations, and initiated legal proceedings.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy expressed grief over the tragic accident.
Kalyan contacted Kakinada District Collector over the phone, directing district authorities to ensure advanced medical care for the injured and extend emergency relief and logistical support to the bereaved families.
TMT TMR
