Tragic Road Accident Claims Three Lives on NH-16 Near Guntur
In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, three individuals lost their lives in a devastating road accident on National Highway-16. The fatal collision occurred within the jurisdiction of the Nallapadu police station, located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.
Details of the Accident
According to information provided by local police, the tragic event transpired around 5:30 a.m. on the third lane of NH-16, precisely opposite Kommineni Cold Storage. The vehicle involved, a car, was traveling from Tirupati to Suryapet in Telangana when the accident occurred.
Conditions Leading to the Incident
Kandepu Vamsidhar, the Circle Inspector of Police in Nallapadu, revealed that the driver of the car, feeling drowsy from the long journey, made the decision to pull over to the side of the road. He exited the vehicle to wash his face, believing this would help combat his fatigue. Tragically, while the car was stopped, a Private Travels bus collided with the stationary vehicle from behind, resulting in a catastrophic impact.
Victims of the Collision
The collision was so severe that it resulted in the instantaneous deaths of three passengers. The victims were identified as:
- Kunchala Venkataiah, age 65
- Kunchala Suseela, age 56 (his wife)
- Navila Mahesh, age 28 (a family member)
All three victims were residents of Suryapet district, and their untimely passing has left their communities mourning.
Survivors’ Condition
In a fortunate turn of events, other occupants of the vehicle, including Madhu, his wife, their two children, and his uncle, managed to escape with injuries. All of them were present inside the car at the time of the collision. Emergency services quickly transported the injured individuals to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Response from Authorities
Upon receiving alerts about the accident, staff from the nearby cold storage facility rushed to the scene to provide assistance and immediately informed Nallapadu Circle Inspector Vamsidhar about the incident. In response to the tragedy, Guntur district Superintendent of Police, Vakul Jindal, arrived at the location to conduct an on-site inspection and to gather details for further investigation. The police have since registered a case to look into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Additional Accidents in the Region
This tragic event is compounded by another reported accident in the Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh, where four individuals are feared dead, occurring on the same day. These incidents bring the total death toll from road accidents in the state to seven, highlighting a concerning trend in roadway safety and the critical need for improved measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The state government and relevant authorities are urged to reassess road safety protocols and implement necessary changes to prevent further loss of life on the roads, particularly during high-traffic periods when driver fatigue is prevalent.
