Roadside Collision Near Vizianagaram Claims Three Lives During Temple Pilgrimage
Three pilgrims died instantly near Chelluru when a speeding lorry struck their stationary SUV during an early morning trip to Rayagada. Authorities identified the victims as residents of Padmanabham mandal and cited poor infrastructure as a contributing factor.
Fatality at Chelluru Village
A high-speed collision on the outskirts of Vizianagaram late Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, resulted in the immediate deaths of three individuals. The victims, identified as Chintapalli Rambabu, Majji Narayana Rao, and Botsa Mohan Naidu, were residents of Majjipeta village located in the Padmanabham mandal of Visakhapatnam district.
The tragedy occurred while a group of 13 villagers were en route to the Maa Majhighariani temple in Rayagada. Their SUV had pulled over near Chelluru village when a speeding lorry crashed into the stationary vehicle. While three passengers perished at the scene, others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in Vizianagaram.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Police reports highlight significant safety risks on the corridor connecting Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam. The specific segment between the Vizianagaram Y junction and Chelluru is notorious for frequent mishaps. Local authorities identified two primary hazards facilitating these incidents:
- Narrow road dimensions that restrict maneuvering space.
- A complete lack of functional street lighting during nocturnal and early morning hours.
In response to the crash, Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police A.R. Damodar directed both rural and traffic police units to implement immediate safety protocols. The mandate aims to mitigate the high accident rate documented on this specific transit route.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
