Tree falls in Secretariat, Kiran Kumar Reddy escapes

Guess what's the hottest topic of discussion today in Secretariat? If you thought it's some political gossip then you are mistaken. Ministers, babus, policemen and residents around the area are talking about how a big tragedy was averted on Saturday morning.

A large tree in the secretariat premises where people would seek shelter from the sun suddenly fell on Saturday.

According to reports, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy had a narrow escape. It is learnt that CM got into his office minutes before the tree fell. However, his vehicle wasn't that lucky.

The large tree at samata block fell on one of the CM's convoy vehicles. Chief Secretary K Mahanti's vehicle too was damaged. Although there were no drivers in the cars when the incident happened, a constable who was on duty suffered injuries and rushed to  Global Hospital. The constable has been identified as Murali Krishna from East Godavari district. It is also learnt that the security outpost too was destroyed.

Sources say that secretariat officials are planning to get the tree uprooted as it poses danger to security. Officials heaved a sigh of relief as the magnitude of the damage would have been more had it fallen at noon considering there are more visitors at the C block after 3pm.

The presence of drivers and cops under the tree is a common sight everyday. Fortunately, not many people were around when the tree fell as it was a Saturday.

- Siva@sakshipost