CHITTOOR: Seven persons were killed and several others injured when a mango-laden truck in which they were travelling fell into a valley late on Saturday night between Kuppam and Vaniambadi in Tamil Nadu.
Two traders, who purchased the mangoes, boarded the truck along with several workers. It appears that some villagers too were travelling in the same vehicle. According to the information available, the driver lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn when he was on the ghat road around 8 p.m.
The vehicle apparently rolled down into the valley. Six people reportedly died on the spot. Their mangled bodies were found stuck in the truck.
One, who was injured, was pulled out by rescue workers but he succumbed to injuries on way to hospital. Official sources said 12 persons, including the driver and cleaner as well as the traders, were injured in the accident.
Initial reports suggested that 15 people including some from Tamil Nadu could have died but it is yet to be confirmed. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was in Delhi, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and directed Chittoor district collector Pradyumna and other senior officials to rush rescue teams to the spot and submit a report on the incident. He also told them to ensure medical aid to the injured.