14 dead after tractor falls into canal at Nalgonda district

The tractor, carrying over 25, skidded and fell into the Musi river canal near Vemulakonda village

A tractor skidded and fell into the Musi river canal near Vemulakonda village in Nalgonda district, June 24, 2018

At least 14 people, all women agriculture workers, were killed after the tractor they were travelling in skidded and fell into the Musi river canal near Vemulakonda village in the district on Sunday.

The tractor- trailer reportedly was carrying more than 25 people at the time of the accident.

According to preliminary reports, the women were hired for daily work of sowing cotton in the neighbouring village, and the vehicle had started at 10 a.m. from Vemulakonda village.

Locals and the police are engaged in rescue operations.

Condolences from Chief Minister

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has expressed shock over the incident.

In addition to those who succumbed, several people suffered injuries, he said. He directed the officials concerned to take up relief measures and ensure that proper Medicare was provided to all the injured.

Energy Minister G. Jagadishwar Reddy, who spoke to the collectors of Nalgonda and Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri districts over phone, asked them to rush to the spot for supervising relief work.

The Chief Minister and the energy minister conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families.