7 workers die when delivery truck overturns, 1 injured

Vijayawada: In a tragic accident, seven labourers were killed and one injured when a van loaded with cashew nuts overturned into a dry irrigation canal near Chilakavaripakalu in Devarapalli mandal late on Tuesday night.

According to police, the deceased were identified as Devabathula Buraiah (40), Thammireddy Satyanarayana (45), P. China Musalaiah (35), Kathava Krishna (40), Kathava Sathipandu (40), Thadi Krishna (45) and Bokka Prasad.

The incident occurred when the van loaded with sacks of cashew nuts reached the Aripatidibbalu-Chinnaigudem road. The driver lost control and the van fell into a roadside canal. Eight workers who were sitting on the sacks of cashew nuts were trapped under the sacks, while the driver, a cleaner and another worker in the cabin escaped unhurt.

Villagers and police rushed to the scene to rescue the trapped workers. Unfortunately, seven workers died on the spot. The only survivor was taken to a government hospital for treatment. The police have registered a case, arrested the driver and launched an investigation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He also enquired about the condition of the survivor and assured that the government would provide relief to the bereaved families.

Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed his concern and demanded better medical care for the survivors, while urging the government to support the families of the victims.

When Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh learned of the tragic death of the seven workers, he rushed from Bengaluru to Rajahmundry. Along with Prasanthi, the District Collector of East Godavari, he visited the houses of the bereaved families and handed over a donation of Rs 500,000 to each of them.