Dying father ensured kids' safety when van fell off Godavari

A road journey over River Godavari in Andhra Pradesh turned fatal for 22 passengers on board. Fortunately, a child miraculously survived the mishap with minor injuries. Kiran (13) was the lone survivor in the ghastly mishap.

Kiran's father who pushed his son and daughter into hiding died on the spot. Unfortunately, Kiran's sister Sandya also died while undergoing treatment at the Rajahmundry hospital.

The fishermen who went fishing in the early hours rescued Kiran. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where his condition is said to be stable.

Speaking to the media at the hospital, the child said he was sitting on his father's lap when the accident took place. "My dad held me and my sister tightly and hid us when the van fell off. Dad suffered severe injuries. My mom was also injured. I came out from the window of the bus. I tried to bring out my sister, the chairs obstructed," the child, who is not aware of his father and mother's' death, said.

22 pilgrims including nine women and seven children died when a four-wheeler fell off the Dowleswaram Barrage into Godavari river near Rajamundry late Friday night.

G Anjali