12 Farm Labourers Dead As Tractor Falls Into Canal

12 agricultural labourers were killed and more than 15 received injuries when the tractor carrying them fell into the AMR canal in Nalgonda district early in the morning today.

According to the police, the accident occurred near Vaddipatla in PA Pally Mandal. The tractor, which was carrying over 30 farm labourers, fell into the AMR canal as the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Local people who rushed to the accident site took up rescue and relief operations after alerting the police. The police and locals together rescued 19 persons, apart from pulling out some bodies.

Five of the injured persons were rushed to the Devarakonda hospital for treatment. Police and swimmers are making efforts to identify if there are any other persons swept away by the water or stuck beneath the tractor.

The police are suspecting that the negligence of the driver resulted in the tragedy. Some survivors reportedly said that the driver was drowsy.

The workers were going from the thanda in Vaddipatla to Pulicharla to work in the mirchi fields.

The deceased have been identified as Ramavath Sona (70), Ramavath Jeja (65), Jarukula Dwali (30), Ramavath Keli (50), Ramavath Kamsli (50), Banavath Beri (55), Ramavath Bharathi (35) and Ramavath Sunitha (30).