A leisurely summer outing turned into a tragedy on Thursday, April 9, 2026, when three teenage girls drowned at the Mulagummi waterfall in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district of Andhra Pradesh. The victims identified as Trisha (17), Ratna Kumari (16), and Pavitra (16) reportedly slipped into a deep stretch of water while attempting to take a selfie.
While a fourth friend, Anjali, was rescued by local residents and is currently undergoing treatment, the three others were swept away by strong currents. Authorities have since recovered the bodies and launched an investigation into the accidental deaths.
Slippery Slopes and Silent Depths
The group of friends, all residents of Jambuvalasa village in Hukumpeta mandal, had visited the scenic spot in the Ananthagiri Hills to celebrate the end of their intermediate examinations. According to police reports, the accident occurred when the girls ventured onto slippery rocks near the waterfall’s edge to capture photographs.
One girl reportedly lost her footing, and in a desperate attempt to save her, the others were also pulled into the vortex. “The terrain near the Mulagummi waterfall is deceptively treacherous,” an investigating officer stated. “While the water may look calm, the rocks are extremely slippery, and the current in the deeper pockets is powerful enough to overwhelm even those with basic swimming skills.”
A Growing Pattern of ‘Selfie Deaths’
This heart-wrenching incident adds to a worrying trend of “selfie-related” accidents across the country. Only days prior, a similar tragedy struck the Kadapa district where three young men drowned while filming content for social media. Local residents in the ASR district have long called for better safety measures, including the installation of warning signboards and fencing around high-risk zones.
The delay in rescue operations also highlighted the logistical challenges of the region, as the waterfall is situated in a dense forest area on the border of Ananthagiri and Hukumpeta mandals, making it difficult for emergency teams to reach the site promptly
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The loss of three young lives, full of potential and dreams, is a profound tragedy that leaves a void in their community and families. While it is natural for youth to seek joy and capture memories, this incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly a moment of distraction can turn fatal.
We believe there is an urgent need for local administrations to prioritize safety infrastructure at popular yet hazardous tourist spots. At the same time, as a society, we must foster a culture of “safety first” over social media validation. No photograph is worth the price of a life. Let us honor their memory by advocating for greater caution and better public safety awareness.
"Three girls died while taking selfies." 💔
— Suraj Kumar Bauddh (@SurajKrBauddh) April 10, 2026
In a heartbreaking incident, 3 teenage girls drowned while trying to take some photos at Mallugummi Waterfall in Andhra Pradesh.
One girl lost her life while trying to save other two. Don't risk your life for selfies & reels. pic.twitter.com/Smo0a8HwTa
