Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh: Four Bhavani devotees were killed in a road accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Thursday. A speeding SUV hit them near Kathipudi while they were on their way to a nearby tea stall after their bus broke down. Another devotee was injured.
The group was travelling from Vizianagaram district to Vijayawada for darshan at the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple. Their bus had stopped near Ravikampadu Junction due to a technical problem. Some devotees got off and began walking towards a nearby hotel to have tea when the accident took place.
According to the details shared by the police, the SUV came from the direction of Etcherla in Srikakulam district and struck the devotees as they crossed the road. Three people died at the scene, while another was injured.
The deceased were identified as C. Yerraiah, 38, L. Sitaram, 45, T. Shivaprasad, 40, and B.R. Sattibabu, 40.
Police reached the spot and took the injured devotee to a local hospital. The bodies were sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examinations.
Pawan Kalyan Seeks Details From District Collector
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief over the deaths. He said it was deeply painful that the devotees had lost their lives while travelling to the Kanaka Durga Temple after completing their vow.
He also spoke to the Kakinada District Collector over the phone to get details about the accident. The collector briefed him on how the devotees had stepped off their stalled bus and were heading towards a nearby hotel when the SUV hit them from behind.
Probe Ordered Into Accident
Pawan Kalyan directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. He also asked them to ensure that the injured devotee received the best possible medical treatment.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured the families of the deceased that the coalition government would extend all necessary support to them.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the accident.