At least 6 people were killed on the spot, while 1 more received serious injuries in a major road accident which took place at Battamdoddi village, Punganur mandal in Chittoor district in the wee hours of Wednesday.
According to sub-inspector Shiva Kumar Reddy, the mishap occurred when an auto-rickshaw in which the victims were travelling ran into an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus at Battamdoddi. Reddy revealed that the auto-rickshaw was travelling on the wrong side of the road. The crash left the 6 people dead on the spot while another secured severe injuries.
The victims were identified as Srikrishnama Naidu (55), his wife Naga Rajamma (45), his brother Ramchandrama Naidu (38)and his son Lokesh (14) from Venukondapalem, Kalakanda mandal. The auto-rickshaw driver's brother Praveen Kumar (23), and an unidentified passer-by were the other 2 victims.
The driver of the auto-rickshaw, Srinivas (25), survived the crash and is presently undergoing treatment in hospital. He is stated to be in a serious but stable condition. Police are waiting for him to regain consciousness before they question him.
The victims were shifted by the police to the government hospital for autopsies. A case has been registered under section 304-A IPC. Further investigations are on.