At least four labourers were killed after a speeding tipper lorry rammed into them in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district, police said on Saturday. The accident triggered panic in the area and led to traffic disruption for some time.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when a group of labourers was working near a roadside construction site. The tipper lorry, reportedly moving at high speed, lost control and hit the workers before crashing into the roadside area.
Local residents and fellow workers rushed to the spot immediately after the accident and alerted emergency services. Police teams soon arrived and shifted the injured labourers to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared four of them dead on arrival due to severe injuries.
Authorities said the driver of the lorry fled from the spot soon after the accident, leaving the vehicle behind. A search operation has been launched to trace and arrest him. The vehicle has been seized for further inspection.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials said over-speeding and possible negligence are suspected, but other factors will also be examined.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination, and the families have been informed. Compensation procedures are expected to be initiated as per government norms after completion of formalities.
Senior district officials visited the accident site and reviewed the situation. They instructed authorities to ensure proper treatment for any injured persons and to take strict action against those responsible.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and reckless driving of heavy vehicles, especially in areas where construction work and pedestrian movement are common.
Police have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate legal action will be taken against the driver once he is apprehended.
