A joyful outing turned tragic when three teenage girls drowned at Malangumme Waterfall in Alluri Sitarama Raju district after slipping into the water while taking selfies.
The victims have been identified as Tirsha Kumari (17), Ratna Kumari (16), and Pavitra (16), all residents of Hukumpeta mandal.
Selfie moment turns into tragedy
According to reports, five friends had visited the popular waterfall to relax and bathe. While standing near the water’s edge and taking selfies, three of the girls reportedly lost their footing and were swept away by the strong current.
The sudden incident left the group in shock, turning a routine outing into a devastating loss.
Rescue efforts and critical survivor
Local authorities rushed to the spot after receiving information and launched rescue operations. One of the girls was rescued and shifted to hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Families and community in grief
The girls had recently appeared for their Intermediate examinations, making the loss even more heartbreaking for their families and the local community.
Residents expressed deep sorrow, as the tragedy has shaken the region.
Safety concerns at tourist spots
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of unsafe behaviour near water bodies, particularly at waterfalls where currents can be unpredictable.
Experts warn that slippery surfaces, sudden depth changes, and strong currents make such locations highly risky, especially when safety measures are ignored.
Call for awareness and caution
Authorities and safety experts continue to urge visitors to exercise caution, avoid risky behaviour like taking selfies near edges, and follow safety guidelines strictly.
With increasing incidents linked to social media-driven risks, there is a growing need for awareness to prevent such avoidable tragedies.