CHILAKALADONA (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 16: At least eight devotees, five of them women, were killed and 10 others injured after a Light Commercial Vehicle collided with a tanker in Mantralayam in Kurnool district on Thursday, police said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as deeply distressing.
“I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs 50,000,” he said in a post on X.
The accident occurred when devotees were travelling to Mantralayam for darshan of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, and the vehicle carrying nearly 20 passengers rammed into a tanker.
“Eight devotees died on the spot, while several others sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment,” Yemmiganur Deputy Superintendent of Police N Bhargavi told PTI.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and reviewed the condition of the injured.
The accident occurred around 3 am on NH-167 when the driver, reportedly drowsy, drove in the wrong direction, leading to the collision, she said.
The presence of 20 people in the LCV worsened the impact of the accident, resulting in higher casualties. A minor girl and two men were among those killed.
The injured were initially shifted to a nearby hospital, while critically injured persons were referred to Kurnool Government General Hospital (GGH) for better treatment.
Meanwhile, Naidu directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
Reacting to the accident, Karnataka BJP leaders urged the state government to coordinate with authorities in Andhra Pradesh to ensure prompt treatment for the injured and provide assistance, including adequate compensation, to the families of victims from Karnataka.
They said some of the victims were from the Chikkamagaluru district.
Taking to X, state BJP chief B Y Vijayendra expressed deep shock over the accident.
He said eight devotees from the state, who were on their way to darshan at the Mantralayam temple, had lost their lives, calling it heartbreaking that devotees heading for divine darshan met such an untimely end.
“I urge the state government to immediately get in touch with the Andhra Pradesh government and take appropriate steps to ensure that the injured receive necessary treatment without delay. The state government must respond promptly on humanitarian grounds, including providing the required assistance,” Vijayendra added.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
“I pray that the injured recover swiftly. The state government must immediately provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased and take necessary steps to ensure the injured receive proper medical treatment,” he said in his post on X.
BJP MP and former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
“I urge the state government to immediately provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased and ensure the best medical treatment for the injured. May the departed souls attain eternal peace. I pray that their family members find the strength to bear this loss,” he added. (PTI)
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