At least 20 people were run over by a truck in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh on Friday, reported PTI. The incident took place outside a police station in Yerpedu, about 25 kilometres from the temple town of Tirupati.
The driver of the truck is believed to have lost control and run over the people, including some protesters, according to Hindustan Times. While PTI reported that the victims had gathered outside the police station to submit various applications, The Indian Express said the people who were injured in the incident had mostly been vendors. The truck was travelling from Srikalahasti to Tirupati.
Police said that the vehicle was carrying a heavy load and travelling at a high speed when it lost control and hit an electric pole before crushing several people under its wheels. It came to a halt after destroying several vehicles and shops. The driver and the cleaner fled, Hindustan Times reported.
Renigunta Deputy Superintendent of Police KS Nanjndappa said six people were crushed under the wheels of the truck, while the remaining 14 died of electric shock with high tension wires falling on them, the report said.
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased. Various political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed grief over the incident.
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