Overview
- A truck struck an auto-rickshaw carrying a 14‑member wedding party near Cumbum in Markapuram district early on Friday, killing four people and injuring several others.
- The dead were identified by police as Avula Alakananda (19), Avula Ankalu (20), Avula Nagesh (17), and two‑year‑old Avula Nageswari.
- Police say the lorry was overspeeding and that three people died at the scene while the two‑year‑old later died in hospital.
- Seven seriously injured victims were taken to local hospitals and later moved to Kambham Government Hospital for further treatment, with some reported in critical condition.
- Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy expressed grief, directed medical officials to ensure care, pledged government assistance to families, and police have registered a case and launched an investigation.