Four Pilgrims Killed in Van Collision on Kakinada Highway

Four devotees taking part in the Bhavani Deeksha were killed instantly when a van struck them as they crossed the national highway at Kathipudi in Kakinada district on Thursday morning. The group had stepped onto the road to have tea after their bus, traveling to Vijayawada, stopped for repairs. Police from Prathipadu rushed to the scene and moved the bodies to the Government General Hospital in Kakinada for post‑mortem examination. The victims – all natives of Denkada village in Vizianagaram district – were among at least 40 pilgrims heading to the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada to conclude their deeksha that day. Kakinada District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad confirmed the identities of the deceased in an official release. Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy spoke with the collector and local police, directing them to provide timely assistance to the remaining pilgrims and to the families of the dead. The incident has prompted calls for better traffic management on the highway, especially during large religious gatherings. ## Context Pedestrian crossings on busy national highways in Andhra Pradesh are often unmarked, increasing risk for groups traveling on foot during pilgrimages.