A 39-year-old man was killed and four persons, including two policemen, sustained minor injuries after an escort vehicle of Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra’s convoy rammed a group of people, at Chalrasta in Machilipatnam on Monday.

The incident occurred at around 2.30 a.m. when the driver tried to avoid hitting a buffalo that had strayed on to the road.

According to the police, the escort vehicle was heading towards Machilipatnam from Vijayawada. At least five police personnel were travelling in the vehicle. “The escort vehicle rammed a group of people who were on their way to attend a funeral. The victim Ch. Rama Krishna, who had sustained severe head injuries, succumbed at the government hospital in Machilipatnam,” Robertsonpeta Sub-Inspector P. Murali Krishna said. The condition of the injured was said to be stable. The Robertsonpeta police have registered a case.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ravindra expressed shock over the mishap. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members and assured that good treatment would be provided for the early recovery of the injured. He also instructed the district Collector to extend all possible help to the bereaved family