Four killed, eight injured in mishap

Vijayawada: In a tragic accident, four people were killed and eight others sustained injuries when the van in which they were travelling rammed a stationary vehicle from the rear side on national highway 16 at the outskirts of Mallepally village in Gandepalli mandal in Kakinada district at about 12.10 am on Wednesday.

According to Gandepalli police, a van carrying a troupe of 12 artists hailing from Tadepalligudem in West Godavari district was proceeding to Kasimkota village in Anakapalli district as the artists were to perform in a religious festival. By the time the vehicle reached the outskirts of Mallepalli village, its driver had lost control and collided with a stationary vehicle at high speed. Under its impact, the driver died on the spot, and three artists succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Rajahmundry. Two injured artists were receiving treatment at the same hospital, while six more who also sustained injuries were shifted to the government hospital at Kakinada for better medical treatment.

The deceased were identified as Dubakula Prasad, 47; Garapati Mahesh, 20; Penumaka Mangamma, 30; and Nallakasula Venkata Rao, 30. The police booked a case and took up the investigation.