Five persons, including four women, were killed at Ayodhapuram in Tekkali mandal when a tractor in which they were travelling overturned on Tuesday afternoon. They were returning from Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy’s public meeting held at Tekkali. Mannela Karrayya (55), Mannela Kantamma (50), Chinni Ramulamma (50), Chinni Dalamma (40) and Chinni Veeramma (18) died on the spot. They all belonged to Hukumpet. About 14 persons with multiple injuries were admitted to the Tekkali area hospital where the condition of D. Bharati, D. Mahalakshmi, K. Malleswari, M.Yasoda and M. Pappamma was stated to be critical.
The Chief Minister and others, who were in a jubilant mood over the good turnout at the public meeting, were shocked at the tragic incident. In fact, the meeting was scheduled to be completed at 1.15 p.m. but it was concluded at 12.45 p.m. to enable people to reach home early.
Overloading of the tractor seemed to have led to the accident. Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Union Minister Killi Kruparani and other Ministers rushed to the area hospital and enquired about the injured persons. The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia of Rs. 5 lakh each to the kin of the dead.
