At least four killed, as two vehicles catch fire in ASR district

A tragic accident in the Ananthagiri mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district resulted in at least four deaths and extensive damage to two vehicles. The incident unfolded on October 24, 2026, at a road construction site in Pinakota panchayat, located near the border with Devarapalli mandal in the neighboring Anakapalli district.

Two vehicles – a camper vehicle and a tipper – were engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing from the inferno. The fire allegedly started while diesel was being poured into the truck from the tipper. The explosion was so powerful that residents in the downhill villages could hear the blast.

Initial reports indicate that four individuals perished in the accident, though the exact number of casualties was still being confirmed as police personnel reached the remote location. The poor mobile network connectivity in the area hampered the transmission of detailed information about the incident.

The victims were found in a dismembered state, and both vehicles were completely gutted. The contractor who owned the vehicles was engaged in road construction work in the area. The police are now investigating the incident to ascertain the sequence of events and the cause of the fire. Home Minister V. Anitha and Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar were among those who expressed grief over the tragic incident.