Daijiworld Media Network - Kurnool

Kurnool, Apr 16: At least eight people were killed and several others injured in a fatal road accident near Chilakaladona village in Mantralayam mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district early Thursday, officials reported.

The mishap occurred when a Bolero carrying pilgrims crashed into a ready-mix concrete lorry, leading to a severe collision that left passengers trapped inside the mangled vehicle.

Authorities confirmed that five victims died instantly at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries later at a nearby hospital. Around 10 to 12 people sustained injuries and were rushed to Emmiganur Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Preliminary findings indicate that the victims were pilgrims from Karnataka who had visited the Mantralayam Temple and were on their return journey when the accident occurred.

Police personnel reached the site shortly after being alerted and initiated rescue and relief operations. Efforts were made to evacuate the injured swiftly and remove the wreckage to restore traffic movement.

A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the collision. Officials stated that more details will emerge as the probe continues.

The incident follows closely after another tragic accident in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib, where six pilgrims lost their lives and around 20 others were injured when a bus overturned while returning from Anandpur Sahib during the Baisakhi celebrations earlier this week.