A devastating road accident in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district claimed the lives of seven members of a family on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred near Peramana village in Sangam mandal when a speeding, sand-laden lorry, traveling on the wrong side of the national highway, collided head-on with their SUV.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the SUV was crushed, and all seven occupants died instantly. Authorities had to use a JCB machine to extricate the mangled vehicle from under the tipper truck, a process that took nearly four hours. The deceased have been identified as Tallur Srinivasulu (36), his wife Tallur Radha (38), Sesham Saramma (40), Challagundla Lakshmi (40), Challagundla Srinivasulu (40), Sesham Vengayya (38), and Katti Brahmayya (24). Reports indicate that the family was en route from Nellore to Pamur to visit an ailing relative. Other reports mention the family was traveling to Atmakur Government Hospital to visit relatives.
The horrific accident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding stricter enforcement of traffic rules and accountability for overloaded vehicles. Following the incident, the lorry driver absconded and a manhunt has been launched to locate him. Police have registered a case and are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the crash, raising concerns about reckless driving and violations committed by heavy vehicles on state highways.
Political figures have expressed their condolences and assured action. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He has ordered an inquiry into the accident and directed officials to take strict action against those responsible, while also assuring full support from the government to the victims' families. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan voiced his sorrow and acknowledged the rising public anger regarding the reckless driving of heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying sand and construction material, urging officials to take firm action to prevent future tragedies. State ministers Anam Ramnarayan Reddy and Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy also conveyed their condolences and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
The accident underscores the critical need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
