KADAPA: The death toll in the road accident near Reddicheruvu causeway in Pullampet mandal of Annamayya district rose to nine on Monday, with another victim succumbing to injuries.
Nine others remain injured. The mishap occurred on Sunday when a mango-laden lorry carrying 21 agricultural workers overturned while attempting to overtake another vehicle in rainy conditions.
Officials said 15 of the victims were from Kodur mandal and six Tirupati district. The workers had travelled to Isukapalli in Rajampet mandal to harvest mangoes and were returning to Railway Kodur when the accident occurred.
Of the deceased, five were women and four were men, several of them close relatives. Four injured workers are being treated at Rajampet government hospital, four at RIMS Hospital in Kadapa, and one at Kurnool Government General Hospital (GGH).
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was briefed on the rising toll, expressed deep grief and directed officials to ensure the injured receive the best medical care. He assured full support to the affected families.
R&B Minister and Annamayya district in-charge BC Janardhan Reddy visited the injured on Monday and said the incident highlighted the risks poor workers face while commuting for livelihood. He confirmed that the CM had asked him to assess the situation and prepare a report for extending government aid.
Minister Reddy questioned how tragedies continue to occur at accident-prone spots and stressed the urgent need for safety signage. He assured that the Roads and Buildings Department would take immediate steps to enhance safety on such routes.