Actor and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who is shooting for his 25th film in Europe, has expressed shock and grief over the death of 16 tourists when a boat capsized in the River Krishna near Vijayawada. Most of the victims belong to Ongole and Nellore districts.

"I have learnt about the tragedy from the media. The incident has caused severe distress in me. It's deeply saddening that small negligence leads to the loss of precious lives. The indescribable loss suffered by the family members of the deceased can't be undone by praying to God for the departed souls.

This tragedy once more reminds the government and private parties of the appropriate and timely steps that they need to take to avert such incidents. I wish that steps will be taken in such a way that one doesn't have to express sympathy in this way," Power Star has said in a statement.

The government of Andhra Pradesh has ordered an inquiry into the unfortunate incident.