VISAKHAPATNAM: An auto-rickshaw driver’s negligence and rash driving proved costly for the students of Bethany Schoolin the port city on Wednesday after the vehicle hit a moving lorry at Sangam Sarat theatre junction, resulting in injuries to eight students, four boys and four girls.

The condition of a female student is said to be serious as the doctors in a corporate hospital are now performing surgery to her head injuries.The accident took place when the auto-rickshaw was on its way to the school.

It was going towards Ambedkar Statue Road from Diamond Park Road and directly hit the lorry going towards Bus Complex road from Railway Station Road, before turning turtle.Five students rolled on the road from the auto-rickshaw and three others were trapped inside the auto after the accident.

Passersby and the motorists responded quickly and rescued the students trapped inside the mangled vehicle while a few others took care of the students on the road.City police zone I deputy commissioner of police (DCP) K Srinivasa Rao rushed to the spot along with his staff.

By that time, the students were shifted to corporate hospital.

“Three students were discharged with minor injuries and doctors said four students were out of danger.

Only one girl student received serious injuries and was admitted to corporate hospital and her sister is said to be out of danger,” DCP K Srinivasa Rao said.

A case was registered and cops have initiated an investigation.The YSRCP regional in charge YV Subba Reddy, state IT minister Gudivada Amarnath and others visited the hospital and enquired about the condition of the students.

They said the CCTV footage shows the negligence and rash driving of the driver, who was admitted to King George Hospital.

They said the government would bear the treatment expenses of the students.

Former TDP minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and other leaders also visited the hospital.WatchCaught on cam: Auto with 8 students overturns after crashing into lorry in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam