Hans News Service Paderu (ASR district)

Atragic incident claimed the lives of three teenage girls in Alluri Sitarama Raju district on Thursday after they accidentally slipped into a waterfall while attempting to take selfies.

The incident occurred near a waterfall close to Mulagummi village in Ananthagiri mandal. Another girl who fell into the water along with them is reported to be in critical condition.

According to police, the deceased have been identified as Trisha (17), Ratna Kumari (16), and Pavitra (16), all residents of Jumbuvalsa village in Hukumpeta mandal. The girls had recently appeared for their Intermediate examinations and had gone to visit the waterfall along with their friend Anjali.

While standing at the edge of the waterfall and taking selfies, the four reportedly lost their balance and fell into the water. Trisha, Ratna Kumari and Pavitra died on the spot.

Anjali, who sustained serious injuries in the incident, was rescued by locals and shifted to a hospital in Lungaparti. Doctors said her condition remains critical. Police rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. The bodies were shifted for post-mortem examination, and a case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. The deaths of the three girls have cast a pall of gloom over their native village.