Kurnool Crash: Foggy Roads Claim Family’s Faith Journey
A heartbreaking collision on a misty morning has left a family from Karnataka shattered, with five lives lost in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district. The accident, unfolding around 4 a.m. on November 29 near Kotekal village in Yemmiganur mandal, involved two cars slamming head-on, turning a routine pilgrimage into unimaginable tragedy.
The victims hailed from Chikkahosahalli village in Kolar district, en route to the revered Raghavendra Swamy Temple in Mantralayam. Dense fog and a sharp curve likely played cruel roles, compounded by one driver possibly dozing off, according to initial police accounts.
Victims’ Stories: Lives Cut Short
Among those gone too soon were elders and young dreamers, their names now etched in grief:
- Venkatesh, 76, the family patriarch leading the temple visit.
- His daughter Meenakshi, 32, a devoted mother on the road with loved ones.
- Son-in-law Satish, 34, whose quick hands once steered family adventures.
- Grandchildren Banith, 5, and Rutwik, 4, tiny sparks of joy silenced forever.
Two survivors, also from the group, cling to life with severe injuries at Adoni Government Hospital. Relatives wait anxiously as doctors battle to stabilize them.
Swift Response: Ground Zero Efforts
Local police under Sub-Inspector Srinivas reached the twisted wreckage quickly, securing the site and launching a probe into the crash’s causes. Bodies underwent post-mortem at the same facility treating the wounded, while traffic eased after hours of chaos.
Yemmiganur MLA B.V. Jayanagireddy and Additional SP Hussein Peera inspected the curve, vowing to push for safety upgrades like better signage and lighting to prevent future heartbreak.
Leadership’s Lament: Naidu’s Outreach
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu voiced deep shock upon hearing of the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved kin across the border. He directed officials to ensure top-notch medical care for the injured and full support for affected families.
District SP and Range IG mobilized per his orders, coordinating aid from Andhra’s resources. Naidu’s assurance rang clear: The state stands solid with those enduring this void.
As dawn broke over the ghat section, locals placed flowers at the spot, whispering prayers for safer travels. This sorrowful chapter prompts a quiet reflection: In the haze of haste and habit, how many more faithful journeys will twist into tales of loss?