Three teenage girls tragically drowned while trying to take selfies at a waterfall in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. The unfortunate incident took place on Thursday at the picturesque Ananthagiri hills, where a group of four girls from Jambuvalasa village in Hukumpeta mandal had gone for an outing to the Mulagummi waterfall, a serene spot near Visakhapatnam.
Authorities reported that the girls were standing on slippery rocks near the waterfall, attempting to take pictures when they slipped and fell into the water as none of them knew how to swim. The strong current made it impossible for them to stay afloat.
Upon hearing their cries for help, locals rushed to the scene and were able to rescue one of the girls, who was promptly taken to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, the remaining three girls, identified as Trisha (17), Ratnakumari (16), and Pavitra (16), could not be saved and were swept away by the water.
Law enforcement teams arrived at the location, recovered the bodies, and initiated an investigation to ascertain the series of events leading to the tragedy. Authorities emphasized that despite the seemingly small size of the waterfall, the area’s terrain is extremely slippery, and the water currents can be dangerously strong, posing risks to visitors.
In light of this heartbreaking incident, police have issued a warning to tourists, advising them to be cautious, especially near water bodies in remote areas, and to refrain from taking risky selfies. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in natural settings, urging visitors to prioritize safety above all else.