Seven Killed in Fire Accident at Road-Widening Site in Alluri District

Seven people, including a government schoolteacher and six workers, were killed in a major accident at a road-widening site near Pisimamidi in Pinakota, Anantagiri mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju district, on Saturday morning. Conflicting accounts have emerged from district officials regarding the cause of the tragedy.

Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar said preliminary findings suggested that the incident was an accidental fire. Workers were transporting diesel in drums to supply vehicles engaged in road construction in the remote area. A spark may have ignited the fuel while diesel was being filled into a pickup vehicle, triggering a fire, he said.

The flames reportedly spread from the pickup vehicle to a nearby dumper and a two-wheeler, leading to multiple deaths. The SP said the incident was being treated as an accidental fire rather than an explosion. Five deaths had initially been confirmed, but the toll later rose to seven. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

However, a different account emerged from the district collector, as reported by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's office. According to the office, the collector said a tipper carrying diesel collided with another vehicle, triggering an explosion.

Pawan Kalyan directed officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident and assured that the government would extend support to the victims' families.

Former chief minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the six workers and government schoolteacher Sunitha. He said the loss of people who had come to the area for work, along with a teacher travelling to perform her duties, was particularly distressing.

Jagan conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to establish the cause of the accident through a thorough inquiry. He also called for adequate financial compensation and necessary assistance to the affected families.

With seven people dead, the incident has plunged the agency region into mourning. The exact cause remains to be established through the ongoing investigation.