Massive search underway for bodies
PNS|Kakinada
A tragic accident claimed the lives of eight youths who drowned in the River Godavari at Kaminilanka village in Mummidivaram mandal, Andhra Pradesh, on Monday.
Police reported that a group of young people from Kakinada, Ramachandrapuram, I. Polavaram, and Mandapeta had gathered at Seurulanka village in K Gangavaram mandal to attend a family function.
After enjoying the event, 11 youths went to the river for a bath. While wading into the Godavari, they slipped and fell into the water.
Three managed to swim to safety, but eight drowned.
The victims have been identified as Kranthi (18), Pal (18), Sai (18), Satish (19), Mahesh (20), Rajesh (13), Rohit (20), and another Mahesh (21). Their clothes and footwear were found on the riverbank.
A large contingent of police, revenue officials, and fire department personnel launched an extensive search operation, supported by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), to recover the bodies.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the tragedy and spoke with the Konaseema District Collector, urging him to intensify rescue efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj Minister K Pawan Kalyan also conveyed his grief and shock at the loss of the eight youths in the river.
