Tragedy Near Mantralayam: 8 Karnataka Pilgrims Killed in Devastating Road Accident

Kurnool: A somber atmosphere has descended over Mantralayam following a horrific road accident in the early hours of Thursday, April 16, 2026, which claimed the lives of eight pilgrims from Karnataka. The victims, who were traveling to the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt for darshan, met with the fatal collision near Chilakaladona village in the Mantralayam mandal of Kurnool district. The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 AM when a Mahindra Bolero, carrying nearly 20 devotees, collided head-on with a heavy ready-mix concrete lorry traveling in the opposite direction.

The impact of the collision was so severe that five individuals died instantly at the scene. Three others succumbed to their injuries while undergoing emergency treatment at a nearby hospital. According to local police, the deceased include five women, two men, and a three-year-old girl child.

The victims have been identified as residents of Chikkamagaluru (with some reports also mentioning Chikkaballapur) in Karnataka. The identified deceased include: Kumar (60), Deepika Veena (35), Sunil (40), Belli (3), Meenakshi (50), Puttamma (60), Thayamma (60), and Lolakshi.

Local residents and police teams rushed to the site immediately following the crash to launch rescue operations. Around 12 other passengers sustained injuries, with at least 10 reported to be in serious condition.

The injured were initially rushed to the Area Hospital in Yemmiganur. Those with critical injuries have since been shifted to the Kurnool Government General Hospital for advanced medical care. Police officials confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were transported to the Government Hospital in Adoni for post-mortem examinations.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock and grief over the tragedy. He directed district officials to ensure that the survivors receive the highest quality of medical treatment and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

State Home Minister V. Anitha, along with Ministers T.G. Bharath Gupta and B.C. Janardhan Reddy, also expressed their sorrow, describing the loss of life—especially involving devotees on a pilgrimage—as deeply painful.

A case has been registered by the Kurnool police, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the collision, including potential factors such as driver fatigue or poor visibility during the pre-dawn hours.