In a shocking incident in Kadapa district, a horrific road accident claimed five lives, including three underage children, as they took part in new year celebrations.
The incident took place around 12.30 am in Indiranagar in Pendlimarri village in the district. According to the police, Laxmi Narsimha (14), Giri Babu (16) and Karthik alias Bhargav (10) had just participated in a new year cake cutting function and were all set to spend the night in front of a bonfire with Bhasker (28).
The people of Indiranagar, which is located along the Vempalle-Kadapa highway, like in any other village thought of welcoming the new year with a get-together and celebrations. That was when a speeding car swerved off the road and hit as many as 10 people, killing four instantly.
Pendlimarri Sub-Inspector Roshan speaking to TNM said, “The vehicle then hit the road divider and the driver, Brahma Reddy (23), was also killed on the spot.”
One resident speaking to local media said, “They were all sitting near the bonfire after cutting the cake. Soon after, the speeding car came and hit them. The three kids were killed on the spot.”
According to him, the three kids were studying in the local government school and were children of agricultural labourers, while Bhasker was an auto driver.
On receiving information about the accident, police rushed to the spot and shifted the survivors to RIMS (Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences), Kadapa.
The car was apparently heading from Vempalle to Kadapa to witness a new year celebration.
When asked if the driver of the car and the two others travelling with him were under the influence of alcohol, “While the vehicle was over-speeding, we are yet to conclude if they (car driver) were under the influence of alcohol or not.”
Based on the complaint by the parents of one of the deceased children, police have registered a case under sections IPC 304 A (Culpable Homicide) and 334 (Voluntarily causing hurt on provocation).