Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh – In a tragic accident early on Saturday, five members of a family, including two young children, lost their lives in a head-on collision on National Highway 167 in Kurnool district. The collision, which involved two cars traveling in opposite directions, also left two others critically injured, authorities said.

The deceased have been identified as Venkatesham (76), his daughter Meenakshi (32), her husband Satish (34), and their grandchildren Ritwik (4) and Bunnith (5). The victims were traveling from Yemmiganur to Bengaluru when the accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. at Kotekal village, according to Yemmiganur sub-divisional police officer N. Barghavi.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash was caused by a combination of factors, including heavy early-morning fog, poor visibility, and the sharp curve on the ghat road. The family’s car reportedly collided at high speed with another vehicle traveling from Adoni, resulting in the immediate deaths of all five family members. The impact was so severe that they were pronounced dead on the spot.

Two others sustained serious injuries in the accident. Venkaesham’s wife, Gangamma, who was traveling in the family car, was critically injured. The driver of the other car, identified as Suresh, was also in a critical condition. Both were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code to investigate the circumstances leading to the collision.

The accident sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents describing the incident as a devastating tragedy. The sharp curve and the foggy conditions on the highway have previously been noted as hazards, and authorities are expected to examine whether additional safety measures, including speed restrictions or warning signage, are required along this stretch of the road.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed profound grief over the loss of life and directed officials to ensure immediate and high-quality medical care for the injured. In a statement, he assured that the government would extend all necessary support to the families affected by the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment.

State Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy also expressed deep shock and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. He instructed authorities to ensure urgent medical attention for the injured and emphasized the need for travelers to exercise caution on highways, especially in adverse weather conditions. He further ordered stricter enforcement of road safety norms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

State Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy and District In-Charge Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu conducted a review of the situation with local authorities. They directed officials to intensify rescue operations, provide immediate assistance to victims’ families, and ensure that emergency services are adequately deployed in the area.

The accident highlights the ongoing risks on Indian highways during early morning hours, particularly in hilly or fog-prone regions. Authorities have urged drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant under low-visibility conditions.

Highway officials are also likely to examine whether road infrastructure improvements, such as reflective markers, better signage, or protective barriers on curves, could mitigate the risk of similar accidents in the future. Safety audits of NH-167 may be conducted to prevent such tragedies.

The Kurnool district administration has promised support for the bereaved families, including financial assistance and counseling services. Local authorities have appealed to residents and commuters to report hazardous road conditions and cooperate with safety initiatives being implemented along the national highway.

The tragic loss of life in this accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance during adverse weather conditions. The state government has reiterated its commitment to improving highway safety standards, particularly in fog-prone areas and sections with sharp curves, while emphasizing public awareness campaigns to reduce accidents.

As investigations continue, police are examining factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and visibility at the time of the crash to determine the exact cause and accountability. Authorities are also reviewing whether additional preventive measures, including speed limits, warning signs, and road maintenance, could avert similar collisions in the future.

Meanwhile, the local community has rallied to support the injured and bereaved families, with neighbors and community organizations providing assistance in coordination with government relief efforts. The tragedy has prompted renewed discussions on highway safety measures in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the critical need for infrastructural and regulatory improvements to prevent further loss of life.