Two Pushkaram pilgrims died on the spot and six were injured in a road accident on the National Highway near the Benz Circle in the city on Tuesday. The victims were identified as S. Harshavardhan, 13, and driver P. Venkataramana, 42.
The victims were natives of Srikakulam district and returning after taking a holy dip in the Krishna river. The accident occurred when their car fell from a low-level bridge. The injured were rushed to the Government General Hospital (GGH) and the condition of three of them was stated to be critical. Police said eight persons, including four children, were in the car.
The accident occurred at around 1 p.m. Locals rushed to the spot, broke open the glasses, retrieved the bodies and shifted the injured to the hospital.
On receiving information, Krishnalanka Circle Inspector Chandrashekar too rushed to the spot.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and announced ex gratia of Rs.3 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased.
