Five die after drowning in lake near Tiruvannamalai

Four girl students and a 24-year-old nurse died after drowning in Samuthiram Lake near Tiruvannamalai on Tuesday. The victims were residents and an employee of a government-aided girls’ home.
The incident occurred near the Terdest Homes girls’ home in Aanay Pirandhan village on Perumbakkam Road. More than 200 girls, including orphans and children from economically disadvantaged families, reside at the home and attend government schools.
At around noon, nurse Thenmozhi, 24, and another woman employee accompanied 11 students to the lake, located about 200 metres behind the home. Five students entered the water with the nurse. When one girl accidentally slipped into a deep area, the others reportedly attempted to rescue her, resulting in all five being swept underwater.
Construction workers and members of the public rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and rescued Thenmozhi and four students — Valli, 16, Vijayalakshmi, 16, Bhumika, 13, and Alli, 14. They were taken by ambulance to Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared all five dead.
District Collector Vandana Garg, Superintendent of Police Udayakumar and revenue officials visited the lake and inspected the rescue operation. Tiruvannamalai West Police have registered an investigation into the incident. The tragedy has caused widespread grief in the district.