Andhra Pradesh News: Seven persons died and one person sustained injury after a cashew-laden mini-truck in which they were travelling overturned in Chilaka Pakala area of Chinnaigudem in Devarapalli mandal, East Godavari district, on Wednesday. The incident occurred when the truck, carrying eight passengers, fell into a canal while trying to avoid a pothole, according to the police.
The accident happened around midnight within Devarapalli limits. According to the police, the mini-truck, loaded with cashew nuts, was traveling from Borrampalem in T. Narasapuram mandal to Tadimalla in Nidadavolu mandal when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and fall into a canal.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) G. Deva Kumar stated, "Seven people died in a road accident near Devarapalli village when a lorry carrying eight people from Jangareddygudem crashed into a canal. Seven people, who were seated on top of the lorry, died on the spot, while one person was rescued and rushed to the hospital." The bodies of the deceased were transported to Kovvur Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The deceased reportedly succumbed to breathlessness after being trapped under heavy sacks of cashew nuts. Locals and police managed to retrieve the bodies from beneath the sacks.
East Godavari District Superintendent of Police Narasimha Kishore reported, as per PTI that "One person survived and is in stable condition, able to speak."
Following the accident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the incident. He assured that the government would provide all necessary support to the families of the victims.