Five pilgrims from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh were killed in a road accident at Palyamkottal of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, on Saturday.
A speeding cement lorry hit a stationary bus from behind, killing five passengers who had stepped out and were standing near the bus, according to reports.
The bus with 12 pilgrims met with the accident near Polytechnic College around 4am on Saturday, while travelling to Kanyakumari.
All the pilgrims, including the deceased, belong to Irupu and Ananthavaram villages of Kolluru mandal.
The deceased were identified as K Rathna Manikyam (65), G Nagavardhini (45), D Venkataramarao (65), Ramakoti (65) and Satyam (55).
The injured people have been shifted to Palayamkottal Headquarters Hospital and are being treated.
Guntur Collector is pursing the matter with Tirunelveli District Collector and the hospital authorities.
As per a press release issued by the chief minister’s office (CMO), “The District Collector, Guntur contacted the Collector of Tirunelveli and also the Dean, Govt HQ Hospital for necessary medical aid to the injured and also to send dead bodies to the native place.”
The Kolluru Mandal Tehsildar (Revenue Officer) and the SHO (Station House Officer) have started for Tirunelveli.
Andra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Dy CM Chinarajappa expressed shock over the incident and have asked the authorities concerned to provide help to the bereaved families.