ANANTAPUR: A picnic turned into an unspeakable tragedy on Friday afternoon when five women drowned in the Gollapalli reservoir in Penukonda mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district.
The victims, belonging to three families from Dargapeta and Isukavanka localities in Penukonda town, had gone to the reservoir for an outing along with six others.
The deceased were identified as A Pushpalatha (29), Gayathramma (50), her daughter Ashwini (23), Attar Shaik Haseena (40), and her daughter Shaik Attar Maheen (17). What was meant to be a day of relaxation and togetherness ended in an irreparable loss, plunging Penukonda town into deep grief.
According to Penukonda Town Circle Inspector N Shekhar, a group of 11 people went to the Gollapalli reservoir in two auto-rickshaws to spend time together.
Guv, CM, Dy CM, Lokesh express grief over tragedy
After having lunch, the five women entered the reservoir to play in the water. However, unaware of the water’s depth and the treacherous, muddy conditions beneath the surface, they gradually drifted into a deeper area.
The situation took a fatal turn when the women became trapped in the mud and began struggling to get out, slipping beneath the surface, and drowning in their desperate attempts to save one another.
Following a complaint lodged by the grieving families, the police registered a case, and initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.
Expressing deep shock over the deaths, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and assured them that the State government would extend all possible support.
Governor S Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish and profound grief over the death of five women. The Governor offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief over the tragedy, and reviewed the circumstances with the District Collector.
Stressing the need for heightened safety steps at tourist spots and deep water bodies, he directed officials to review security arrangements, and ensure that expert swimmers are stationed at reservoirs to prevent such drownings in the future.
HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh and BC Welfare Minister S Savitha also expressed their grief, assuring the affected families of complete government assistance.
