‘Drinking is injurious to health’, but that warning didn’t stop villagers of Vemulapalli for a surprise roadside party on Thursday. A truck carrying some 350 beer cartons skid off the road when its driver tried to avoid hitting an animal near Shettipalem junction here.
The locals rushed to the truck, initially to save the driver, but the scene was soon turned into an impromptu celebration when people started grabbing their choice of brand. Some with their hands full, and others who ran with the extra load. The driver was lucky to escape uninjured.
Initial frenzy
The loss from the spillage and the loot was an estimated ₹ 50, 000, according to a report from the police at Vemulapalli. “There was an initial frenzy, but we contained the situation soon,” SI Rajasekhar Reddy said. The traffic which came to a halt was cleared immediately after the police and a few volunteers helped remove the shattered bottles.
Meanwhile, passersby didn’t miss a chance to take pictures of the beer-runners. Some continued their commentary: “Beer trucks don’t skid too often, its a bonanza on a hot day.” Another said, “It is also medicine.”
The beer truck was on its way from a warehouse in Nalgonda to a private store in Huzurnagar.