Munagalapalem, an obscure village on the banks of the parched Swarnamukhi river in Yerpedu mandal, witnessed a day of mourning on Saturday.
Normal activity came to a halt as the villagers paid final respects to the 12 people killed when a truck ploughed through a group of people, near the Yerpedu police station on the Srikalahasthi highway on Friday.
Gloomy atmosphere
Majority of the victims belonged to the village, followed by two in Musalipedu and one in a neighbouring village.
Continual sobbing over the death of their loved ones in several households gave rise to a gloomy atmosphere. A steady stream of visitors thronged the village and hectic activity was witnessed ahead of the arrival of Ministers and officials.
IT and Panchayat Raj Minister Nara Lokesh, accompanied by Municipal Administration Minister (Chittoor District In Charge) P. Narayana, Industries Minister N. Amarnath Reddy and others, handed over ex gratia cheques to the kin of the deceased and consoled them.
Mr. Lokesh assured complete support from the State government.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Lokesh denied the reports of the involvement of sand mafia in the incident.
