India: 20 Dead As Truck Runs Into Farmers’ Protest

INDIA: At least 20 people have died following a vehicle rammed into several farmers staging a protest in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

While six persons were smashed to death under the truck's wheels, others died of electrocution and the resultant open fire, prompted by the mishap, the Indian Express reported.

A number of the injured were shifted to Ruia medical center in Tirupati, while few others were moved to hospitals in Chennai and Vellore. The health of 10 of the hurt was said to be critical.

The farmers were outside a police train station in Chittoor district, protesting against illegal sand mining.

Law enforcement officials said the driver of the vehicle seemed to have lost control of his vehicle, but local people alleged that he deliberately drove into the crowd.

A local reporter of the regional newspaper who was simply at the police station lost his legs in the  incident.

State representatives have ordered an investigation into the event.

The drivers of the lorry in addition has been shifted to clinic with injuries.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has released reimbursement of 500,000 rupees ($7,739;£6,048) to the families of those wiped out in the event.