4 devotees killed by SUV on highway in Andhra crash

Four Bhavani devotees were killed and one critically injured when a speeding Scorpio struck them on the Chennai-Kolkata highway at Kathipudi in Kakinada district early on Thursday, 22 October, police said. The victims were from Denkada in Vizianagaram district, travelling by bus to Vijayawada when the vehicle broke down near a food centre and some passengers got off for tea. Hindustan Times reports three died on the spot and one while being moved, with the deceased identified as Sirigidi Erraiah (38), Lingala Sitaram (45), Bonela Sathibabu (40) and Thatipudi Shivaprasad (40).

The Hans India identifies the dead as Sirigidi Errayya (35), Tamlingala Sitaram (36), Tatipudi Varaprasad (36) and Bonula Ramana (52), stating four died on the spot and one survivor is receiving care. Andhra Pradesh transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and Kakinada district in-charge minister Ponguru Narayana conveyed condolences and directed authorities to ensure medical treatment, Hindustan Times adds. Police have begun an investigation into the accident.

Update, 22 October 2026: Hindustan Times now reports the same incident with more details: three died on the spot and one while being moved, and names four victims with different ages from those given by The Hans India. It also quotes Andhra Pradesh transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and Kakinada district in-charge minister Ponguru Narayana stating they directed medical care and expressed condolences. The police investigation is ongoing.